Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, Resigns Following Attempt on Trump’s Life

The director of the Secret Service is resigning following an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, according to an email she sent to staff. This decision comes amid growing criticism of the agency’s failure to protect current and former presidents.

Kimberly Cheatle, who has served as Secret Service director since August 2022, faced increasing calls to step down and multiple investigations into how the shooter got so close to the Republican presidential nominee at an outdoor rally in Pennsylvania.

“I take full responsibility for the security lapse,” Cheatle said in the email to staff on Tuesday. “In light of recent events, it is with a heavy heart that I have made the difficult decision to step down as your director.”

Cheatle’s resignation comes a day after a contentious appearance before a congressional committee, where she was grilled by both Democrats and Republicans for the security failures. She described the attempt on Trump’s life as the Secret Service’s “most significant operational failure” in decades and accepted full responsibility for the lapses, but frustrated lawmakers by not providing specific answers about the investigation.

During the hearing on Monday, Cheatle insisted she was still the “right person” to lead the Secret Service, even as she acknowledged the security lapses. When Republican Rep. Nancy Mace suggested Cheatle start drafting her resignation letter from the hearing room, Cheatle firmly replied, “No, thank you.”

The 20-year-old shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, managed to get within 135 meters (157 yards) of the stage where the former president was speaking before opening fire. This occurred despite heightened security for Trump following a threat from Iran days before the July 13 rally.

Read her full letter:

“To the Men and Women of the U.S. Secret Service, 

The Secret Service’s solemn mission is to protect our nation’s leaders and financial infrastructure.

On July 13th, we fell short on that mission. The scrutiny over the last week has been intense and will continue to remain as our operational tempo increases. As your Director, I take full responsibility for the security lapse.

However, this incident does not define us. We remain an organization based on integrity and staffed by individuals of exceptional dedication and talent. As I’ve stated, the Secret Service will move forward with our investigatory and protective mission in a steadfast manner. We do not retreat from challenge. However, I do not want my calls for resignation to be a distraction from the great work each and every one of you do towards our vital mission.

When I got the call asking if I would return to the Secret Service after my brief retirement, I did not 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 a heavy heart that, I have made the difficult decision to step down as your Director.

When I assumed the role as 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 – securing events for FPOTUS Clinton, working as a supervisor on VP Cheney’s detail, leading RTC, operating as the SAIC of ATL, supervising VP Biden’s detail, and finally overseeing the agency’s protective mission under the Trump Administration as AD-OPO.

As I stated in the hearing yesterday, all of you are worthy of trust and confidence. You deserve the nation’s support in carrying out our critical mission. One of my favorite things about this workforce is that the men and women are fiercely committed to our mission.

Thank you for all that you do, and will continue to do, for our great nation.”