Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has dramatically announced her resignation after the colossal security failures that led to the assassination attempt on Donald Trump.
Cheatle admitted she was responsible for the huge lapse in a letter to colleagues on Tuesday following a brutal Capitol Hill hearing on Monday in which dozens of Republican and Democrat lawmakers called for her to step down.
The embattled security chief faced mounting questions over why an agent was not stationed on the building from where Thomas Crooks opened fire on the former president, and why Trump was allowed to take the stage even when a threat was detected.
Cheatle also faced a slew of criticism for suggesting her agency didn’t have a presence on the roof the gunman fired from because it was ‘sloped’.
She refused to step down from her post for nine days after the failures that led to Trump being struck in the ear by a bullet.
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has dramatically announced her resignation after the massive security failures that led to the attempted assassination on Donald Trump
‘To the Men and Women of the U.S. Secret Service,’ Cheatle wrote in her letter announcing she had stepped down.
‘The Secret Service’s solemn mission is to protect our nation’s leaders and financial infrastructure.
‘On July 13th, we fell short on that mission. The scrutiny over the last week has been intense and will continue to remain as our operational tempo increases. As your Director, I take full responsibility for the security lapse.
‘However, this incident does not define us. We remain an organization based on integrity and staffed by individuals of exceptional dedication and talent.
‘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.
‘When I got the call asking if I would return to the Secret Service after my brief retirement, I did not hesitate. I love this agency, our mission, and the great men and women who sacrifice so much every day. I have, and will always, put the needs of this agency first.
In light of recent events, it is with a heavy heart that, I have made the difficult decision to step down as your Director.
When I assumed the role as your Director, I pledged to do so with honor and integrity.
‘These values have guided my entire career for 29 years. As many of you know, I served as a special agent for 27 years – securing events for FPOTUS Clinton, working as a supervisor on VP Cheney’s detail, leading RTC, operating as the SAIC of ATL, supervising VP Biden’s detail, and finally overseeing the agency’s protective mission under the Trump Administration as AD-OPO.
As I stated in the hearing yesterday, all of you are worthy of trust and confidence. You deserve the nation’s support in carrying out our critical mission. One of my favorite things about this workforce is that the men and women are fiercely committed to our mission.
‘Thank you for all that you do, and will continue to do, for our great nation.’
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