U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has resigned following intense scrutiny over the agency’s failure to prevent the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, according to two sources familiar with the decision. The incident, which occurred on July 13 at a Trump rally, left one attendee dead and two others critically injured.
Cheatle’s resignation comes just days after she testified before the House Oversight Committee, where she called the incident “the most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades.” During the hearing, Cheatle had vowed to “move heaven and earth” to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The former director faced criticism for the agency’s inability to secure the rally area, particularly after reports emerged that the shooter had been spotted and identified as potentially suspicious before opening fire. Cheatle acknowledged the short timeframe between identifying the threat and the actual shooting, stating, “It makes it very difficult.”
Critics, including some prominent conservatives, have questioned Cheatle’s appointment, with Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., referring to her as a “DEI hire” and suggesting that female Secret Service agents have “physical limitations” that should disqualify them from service.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “The United States Secret Service has a no-fail mission, yet it failed on Saturday when a madman attempted to assassinate President Trump.”
Cheatle’s resignation marks a significant moment in the ongoing investigation into the security lapse. As the Secret Service works to address the failings that led to this near-tragedy, questions remain about the agency’s protocols and its ability to protect high-profile individuals in an increasingly complex security landscape.
The incident and its aftermath have reignited debates about security measures at political events and the challenges faced by law enforcement in preventing such attacks. As the investigation continues, the focus will likely shift to potential reforms within the Secret Service and broader discussions about political violence in America.
