Kimberly Cheatle has resigned as director of the Secret Service following an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Calls for her departure grew after the incident. Her resignation came a day after a contentious Congressional hearing where lawmakers from both parties questioned her about how a 20-year-old gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, managed to access a rooftop armed with an AR-style rifle during Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania on July 13.
Congressional Hearing and Scrutiny
During the hearing, lawmakers intensely scrutinized Cheatle for the Secret Service’s handling of security at the event. They expressed frustration over the lack of information released in the days following the shooting. Cheatle faced many questions, particularly regarding the security measures in place. She deferred most inquiries to the ongoing FBI investigation, stating, “There was a plan in place to provide overwatch, and we are still looking into responsibilities.”
The hearing lasted nearly five hours, with lawmakers emphasizing the rising concern over political violence and the need for accountability. Cheatle’s repeated insistence that she could not disclose specific details until a full report was completed drew ire from members of the House Oversight Committee. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized the delay, arguing that Congress could not afford to wait 60 days for answers given the current political climate.
Security Lapses and Accountability
The incident has reignited discussions about the safety of political figures, with lawmakers questioning why Crooks was allowed to move freely in the vicinity of the rally despite being spotted with suspicious items. Cheatle acknowledged the security lapse, stating, “The Secret Service’s solemn mission is to protect our nation’s leaders. On July 13, we fell short.”
Despite her lengthy tenure and experience within the agency, Cheatle faced mounting pressure to resign, with some lawmakers explicitly stating she was unfit for her role. Following the hearing, Cheatle announced her resignation in an email to Secret Service staff, taking full responsibility for the security failure.
Resignation and Future Steps
Cheatle, appointed by President Joe Biden in August 2022, had previously served in various roles within the Secret Service for over 25 years. In her resignation letter, she expressed her commitment to the agency’s mission and acknowledged the intense scrutiny following the incident.
President Biden thanked Cheatle for her service and indicated plans to appoint a new director soon. In the wake of Cheatle’s resignation, bipartisan efforts have emerged to enhance oversight of the Secret Service. Proposed legislation includes requiring Senate confirmation for the director and establishing term limits to prevent politicization of the position.
BREAKING: U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has resigned after widespread criticism over the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. Cheatle admitted responsibility for the security lapse. Both Democrats and Republicans demanded her resignation. pic.twitter.com/U5bVyThPqj
Advertisement— Los Angeles Magazine (@LAmag) July 23, 2024
