Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has dramatically announced her resignation following the massive security failures that led to the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.
Cheatle plans to announce his resignation later Tuesday following a brutal hearing on Capitol Hill on Monday that resulted in dozens of lawmakers calling for his resignation.
The embattled Cheatle faced mounting questions about why there was no officer in the building from which Thomas Crooks opened fire on the former president and why he was allowed on stage even when a threat was detected.
Cheatle also faced a number of criticisms for suggesting his agency had no presence in the gunman’s room because it was “tilted.”
He refused to resign from office for nine days after the gaffes that led to Trump being slapped on the wrist.
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has dramatically announced her resignation following the massive security failures that led to the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.
“To the men and women of the United States Secret Service,” Cheatle wrote in his letter announcing his resignation.
‘The solemn mission of the Secret Service is to protect our nation’s leaders and financial infrastructure.
“On July 13, we failed to accomplish that mission. The scrutiny over the past week has been intense and will continue to be as our operational tempo increases. As your Director, I take full responsibility for the security breach.
‘However, this incident does not define us. We remain an organization built on integrity and made up of exceptionally dedicated and talented people.
‘As I have said, the Secret Service will continue to pursue our investigative and protective mission with determination.
‘We do not back down from the challenge. However, I do not want my calls for resignation to be a distraction from the great work that each and every one of you is doing in pursuit of our vital mission.
“When I got the call to ask if I would return to the Secret Service after my brief retirement, I didn’t hesitate. I love this agency, our mission, and the great men and women who sacrifice so much every day. I have and will always put the needs of this agency first.
In light of recent events, it is with great regret that I have made the difficult decision to resign as your Director.
When I assumed the role of your Director, I pledged to do so with honor and integrity.
‘These values have guided my entire career for 29 years. As many of you know, I served as a special agent for 27 years: protecting events for Clinton, working as a supervisor on Vice President Cheney’s team, leading the RTC, operating as ATL’s SAIC, supervising Vice President Biden’s team, and finally overseeing the agency’s protective mission under the Trump administration as AD-OPO.
As I said at yesterday’s hearing, all of you are trustworthy. You deserve the nation’s support in carrying out our important mission. One of the things I like most about this workforce is that the men and women are so firmly committed to our mission.
“Thank you for all you do and will continue to do for our great nation.”