Kimberly Cheatle, Secret Service Director appointed by President Biden, resigned from her position following bipartisan calls for her to step down in the wake of Trump’s assassination attempt.
"As I've stated, the Secret Service will move forward with our investigatory and protective mission in a steadfast manner. We do not retreat from challenge. However, 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," Cheatle said. "In light of recent events, it is with a heavy heart that, I have made the difficult decision to step down as your Director."
Cheatle emphasized that she took “full responsibility” for security lapses at the July 13 Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Cheatle said the Secret Service was in charge of organizing and managing the overall security protocol for the rally, acknowledging a “significant operational failure.”
Following her testimony to the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, Chairman James Comer and Ranking Member Jamie Raskin issued a joint statement calling on Cheatle to resign.
Rep. Raskin said the hearing uncovered two urgent priorities, including for Director Cheatle to resign, and for Congress to ban assault-style weapons.
"A weapon that can be used to commit a mass shooting at an event under the full protection of the Secret Service and state and local police is a danger to schoolchildren, Walmart shoppers and congregants in church, synagogue and mosque services," he said in a statement. "As a weapon of war, the AR-15 has no legitimate place in our society. Congress must act now."
