US Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigns following contentious house hearing

Kimberly Cheatle, the director of the US Secret Service, has resigned just a day after a contentious House hearing where members of both parties called for her resignation. This came in the wake of an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally.

Cheatle, who had served as Secret Service director since August 2022, described the attempt on Trump’s life as the agency’s “most significant operational failure” in decades. During the hearing, she took full responsibility for the security lapses but frustrated lawmakers by failing to answer specific questions about the investigation.

The 20-year-old gunman, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, managed to bypass security and open fire from a nearby roof at the rally, injuring Trump and two others while killing another rally-goer. This attack has heightened concerns over political violence in the deeply divided election climate.

In her resignation letter to staff, Cheatle stated: “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.”

She further added, “The Secret Service will move forward with our investigatory and protective mission in a steadfast manner. We do not retreat from challenges. 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. In light of recent events, it is with a heavy heart that I have made the difficult decision to step down as your director.”

Comments from House Oversight Committee Chairman

House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-KY) issued the following statement after Cheatle announced her resignation:

“The Oversight Committee’s hearing resulted in Director Cheatle’s resignation and there will be more accountability to come. The Secret Service has a no-fail mission yet it failed historically on Director Cheatle’s watch. At yesterday’s Oversight Committee hearing, Director Cheatle instilled no confidence that she has the ability to ensure the Secret Service can meet its protective mission. Egregious security failures leading up to and at the Butler, Pennsylvania campaign rally resulted in the assassination attempt of President Trump, the murder of an innocent victim, and harm to others in the crowd. While Director Cheatle’s resignation is a step toward accountability, we need a full review of how these security failures happened so that we can prevent them going forward. We will continue our oversight of the Secret Service in support of the House Task Force to deliver transparency, accountability, and solutions to ensure this never happens again.”

Comments from Homeland Security Secretary

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas released the following statement regarding Cheatle:

“I am grateful to Kimberly Cheatle for her leadership as the Director of the United States Secret Service and for her lifelong devotion to our country.

“Director Cheatle has dedicated her career to public service. She has served in the Secret Service for more than 29 years, rising through the ranks because of her talent, hard work, selfless dedication to mission, and integrity. Daily, she risked her life to protect others, serving on the frontlines and securing events for every president since President Clinton. She supervised protection for Vice President Cheney, led the Secret Service’s training center, supervised the protection of Vice President Biden, oversaw the agency’s entire protective mission during the administration of President Trump, and more.

“Reflecting her devotion to country above all else, Director Cheatle returned from retirement to lead the agency and its noble mission that she loves and to which she has devoted her career. Over the past two years, she has led the Secret Service with skill, honor, integrity, and tireless dedication. She is deeply respected by the men and women of the agency and by her fellow leaders in the Department of Homeland Security. I am proud to have worked with Director Cheatle and we are all grateful for her service.

“The men and women of the United States Secret Service risk their lives every day to protect others. They make the Secret Service the finest protective agency in the world.”

Contentious House Hearing

During her testimony before the House Oversight Committee, Cheatle faced intense scrutiny and bipartisan calls for her resignation. Ranking member Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) both expressed frustration over the security breaches and criticized Cheatle’s management of the agency.

Raskin stated, “This relationship is irretrievable at this point. The director has lost the confidence of Congress at a very urgent and tender moment in the history of the country.” Comer echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the preventable nature of the tragedy and calling for Cheatle’s resignation.

Lawmakers Demand Answers

Throughout the four-hour hearing, Cheatle was repeatedly pressed on why Trump was allowed to take the stage despite law enforcement deeming Crooks suspicious. She defended the number of agents assigned to the event but frequently cited the FBI’s ongoing investigation to avoid discussing specifics.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) were among those who sharply criticized Cheatle for the agency’s failure to comply with demands for documents and other information from the committee. Mace accused Cheatle of being dishonest and dodging questions, leading to heated exchanges during the hearing.

Immediate Security Adjustments

In the aftermath of the assassination attempt, Cheatle detailed the immediate adjustments made by the Secret Service, including enhanced security measures at the Republican National Convention and for protectees in Washington, D.C. She also mentioned that the agency is prepared for any new demands following President Biden’s recent announcement to end his reelection campaign.

Ongoing Investigations

The director assured the committee that internal and external investigations are underway. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has appointed a bipartisan, independent panel to review the assassination attempt, while the department’s inspector general has opened three investigations.

Authorities are still investigating Crooks’ motives but have found no ideological bent. Investigators discovered photos of Trump, Biden, and other officials on Crooks’ phone, as well as searches for major depressive disorder and information about political events.

Cheatle’s Tenure and Background

Cheatle took over the Secret Service two years ago, succeeding James M. Murray amid investigations into missing text messages from the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Announcing her appointment, President Biden praised her as a “distinguished law enforcement professional with exceptional leadership skills” who had his “complete trust.”

Despite her assurances and long tenure, the committee’s frustration with Cheatle’s answers was palpable. Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) bluntly told her, “Director Cheatle, because Donald Trump is alive, and thank God he is, you look incompetent. If he were killed, you would look culpable.”