CNN, citing its sources says US Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has tendered her resignation amid scrutiny of security lapses related to the recent assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump.
Her move to step down reportedly comes as lawmakers and government agencies move forward with investigations into the Secret Service’s handling of Trump’s protection and how a gunman came close to killing the 2024 Republican presidential candidate at a rally in Pennsylvania this month.
There have been bipartisan calls in Congress for her resignation and a push by some Republican lawmakers to impeach her, CNN says noting that lawmakers were particularly incensed after her appearance in front of the House Oversight Committee on July 22, where she was unwilling to answer many of the committee’s questions.
The BBC reports that Ms. Cheatle said in a resignation letter agency staff that as the agency director she takes full responsibility for the security lapse.
US President Joe Biden said in a statement that he was grateful for her decades of public service. He said he would appoint a new director soon.
Kimberly Cheatle was appointed by President Joe Biden to lead the Secret Service – which oversees the protection of current and former presidents and other officials – in 2022. She had previously served 27 years at the agency in various roles.
For now, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas has appointed Ronald Rowe as acting director of the agency, according to the BBC.
Mr. Rowe, a 24-year Secret Service veteran, has reportedly held the position of deputy director since April 2023.
