Washington — U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle Resigns Amidst Intense Scrutiny Following Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Kimberly Cheatle, the Director of the U.S. Secret Service, has announced her resignation in response to mounting pressure and calls for her departure following an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Cheatle’s resignation marks a significant shift in leadership at the agency, which she has led since September 2022. This decision reflects the severe scrutiny and criticism directed at her and the Secret Service in the wake of the recent security breach.

Resignation and Accountability

In a resignation letter obtained by NBC News from a senior official, Cheatle articulated her decision to step down due to the “intense” scrutiny surrounding the Secret Service’s handling of the assassination attempt. She expressed a sense of personal responsibility, acknowledging that she was taking “full responsibility for the security lapse” that allowed the incident to occur. Cheatle's resignation letter, characterized by its earnest tone, conveyed her profound regret and the difficult nature of her decision to resign. The exact date of Cheatle’s departure remains uncertain at this time.

Presidential Response and Appointment of Successor

Following Cheatle’s resignation, President Joe Biden issued a statement expressing appreciation for Cheatle’s service and announcing his intention to appoint a new Director to lead the Secret Service “soon.” Biden underscored the gravity of the situation, affirming that “We all know what happened that day can never happen again.” In response to the assassination attempt, Biden has ordered an independent review to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. He conveyed eagerness to review the conclusions of this assessment to ensure such lapses do not recur.

Former President Trump’s Reaction

In reaction to Cheatle’s resignation, former President Trump took to Truth Social to voice his dissatisfaction with the handling of his security. Trump criticized the Biden administration, asserting, “The Biden/Harris Administration did not properly protect me, and I was forced to take a bullet for Democracy. IT WAS MY GREAT HONOR TO DO SO!” Trump’s statement highlights his continued criticism of the administration’s response and the security measures in place during the incident.

Congressional Criticism and Demands for Resignation

The resignation of Cheatle follows intense criticism from congressional leaders, particularly House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., who expressed significant discontent with Cheatle’s performance. Comer criticized Cheatle’s credibility and responses during her testimony before Congress, where both Democratic and Republican lawmakers voiced frustration over the Secret Service’s failure to safeguard Trump. Cheatle had testified that a plan for overwatch was in place and that responsibilities were still under investigation, but her explanations failed to assuage the anger of lawmakers.

Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., was particularly vocal in her criticism, accusing Cheatle of evading questions and being “completely dishonest” regarding her cooperation with the committee. Mace’s comments underscored the deep dissatisfaction with Cheatle’s responses and the Secret Service’s management of the incident.

Further Congressional Actions and Calls for Resignation

Following the contentious hearing, Comer and Ranking Member Jamie Raskin, D-Md., issued a joint letter demanding Cheatle’s resignation. The letter criticized Cheatle for failing to provide satisfactory answers and lacking transparency, particularly during an election year. Comer and Raskin argued that Cheatle’s resignation was crucial to allowing new leadership to address the crisis and rebuild trust within the Secret Service.

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., along with other leading Republicans, including House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., and Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso, R-Wyo., also supported the call for Cheatle’s resignation. Barrasso emphasized the necessity of Cheatle’s departure, stating, “She needs to go.” Prior to her resignation, Cheatle had faced discussions about potential impeachment proceedings from several Republican lawmakers.

Incident Review and Timeline

In an interview with ABC News, Cheatle stated that although she bore ultimate responsibility, the Secret Service was still conducting a thorough review of the incident. She provided details about the timeline between the initial report of the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, being flagged as suspicious and the subsequent shooting from a rooftop at a July 13 rally. According to sources familiar with the investigation, Secret Service agents had spotted Crooks on the rooftop 10 minutes before Trump’s appearance, with a 20-minute interval before the shooting commenced.

The shooting resulted in the death of former fire official Corey Comperatore and injuries to two other individuals, whose conditions have since improved. Trump reported being struck in the upper part of his right ear.

As the investigation and subsequent reviews continue, the Secret Service and federal authorities face the challenge of addressing the significant security breaches and restoring public confidence in the agency’s ability to protect national leaders and manage critical incidents effectively.