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Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle Resigns Amid Criticism Over Trump Assassination Attempt

Kimberly Cheatle testifies during a hearing on the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, on Capitol Hill, July 22 in Washington. | Rod Lamkey, Jr./AP

WASHINGTON D.C. — Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned Tuesday following the agency’s failure to prevent an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump, according to two sources familiar with the decision.

Resignation Announcement:

  • Internal Message: Cheatle announced her resignation in an internal message to Secret Service employees after facing severe criticism over the incident.
  • Previous Defense: On Monday, Cheatle defended her leadership despite acknowledging failures on her watch, but the mounting pressure led to her resignation.

House Oversight Committee Hearing:

  • Bipartisan Condemnations: Cheatle faced bipartisan criticism during a House Oversight Committee hearing on Monday. Lawmakers expressed frustration at her inability to answer basic questions regarding the security breach that allowed a gunman to fire multiple shots at Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13. Trump was injured, and a spectator was killed.
  • Calls for Resignation: Both Democrats and Republicans called for Cheatle’s resignation after the hearing. Speaker Mike Johnson remarked, “It is overdue. She should have done this at least a week ago. I’m happy to see that.”

Continued Investigation:

  • Bipartisan Task Force: Despite Cheatle’s resignation, a bipartisan task force announced earlier Tuesday to investigate the assassination attempt will continue its work. Speaker Johnson confirmed that the task force’s efforts to uncover the failures and prevent future incidents will persist.

The Secret Service has not immediately responded to requests for comments regarding Cheatle’s resignation. The agency is expected to appoint an interim director while a search for a permanent replacement is conducted.

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