Washington, D.C. – Kimberly Cheatle, the former director of the U.S. Secret Service, recently resigned from her position amidst mounting pressure from lawmakers following an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. Cheatle made her decision known in a letter to agency staff, expressing her commitment to the Secret Service’s mission but acknowledging the need to step down in light of recent events.

President Joe Biden expressed gratitude for Cheatle’s years of public service and announced plans to appoint a new director soon. In the interim, Deputy Director Ronald Rowe will assume the role of acting director. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas praised Rowe’s willingness to lead the agency during a challenging period and emphasized the critical nature of the Secret Service’s mission.

The shooting incident took place during a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a gunman opened fire, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries, including a graze wound to Trump’s ear. The Secret Service faced scrutiny over security lapses leading up to the incident, prompting Cheatle to acknowledge the agency’s failure during a congressional hearing and ultimately resign from her position.

Members of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, including Chairman James Comer and Ranking Member Jamie Raskin, called for Cheatle’s resignation in the aftermath of the shooting. Comer highlighted the agency’s security failures and the need for accountability, while Raskin underscored the urgency of banning assault-style weapons to prevent future tragedies.

Cheatle’s reluctance to provide detailed answers during congressional testimony stirred frustration among lawmakers, who sought clarity on security protocols and law enforcement’s response to the shooting. Multiple investigations into the incident are ongoing, with Biden ordering an independent review to identify gaps and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

As Cheatle steps down from her role, questions remain about the Secret Service’s preparedness and operational effectiveness. Lawmakers and stakeholders emphasize the importance of transparency, accountability, and learning from past mistakes to ensure the safety of public figures and event attendees in the future.