US Secret Service director Kim Cheatle has resigned following security failures during an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
In her resignation letter , Ms Cheatle wrote;
“As your director, I take full responsibility for the security lapse.I have always prioritised the agency’s needs and made this decision with a heavy heart.”
Additionally, she acknowledged the intense scrutiny over the past week and said,
“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.”
Further, President Joe Biden expressed gratitude for her decades of public service in a statement.
He mentioned that the independent review of the July 13 incident continues and stressed the importance of preventing a recurrence.
He also indicated that a new director would be appointed soon. For now, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas has appointed Ronald Rowe as acting director. Mr. Rowe, a 24-year Secret Service veteran, has served as deputy director since April 2023.
President Biden appointed Ms. Cheatle to lead the Secret Service in 2022, after she had served 27 years in various roles within the agency.
Her notable achievements included evacuating Vice President Dick Cheney during the 9/11 attacks and later supervising Mr. Biden’s protective detail when he was vice president.
However, her leadership came under scrutiny following the shooting at Trump’s July 13 rally, which resulted in one death and two serious injuries.
During the six-hour house oversight committee hearing, Ms Cheatle accepted responsibility for the security lapses but resisted calls for her resignation.
Source: BBC
