Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle is resigning

U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has resigned following widespread calls from lawmakers for her to step down after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, according to three sources cited by NBC News.

In her resignation letter, obtained from a senior official, Cheatle acknowledged the intense scrutiny over the past week, stating it will continue as their operational tempo increases. She expressed taking "full responsibility for the security lapse."

"Given recent events, it is with a heavy heart that I have made the difficult decision to step down as your Director," wrote Cheatle, who had led the agency since September 2022.

The exact date of her departure is still unclear.

In a statement, President Joe Biden thanked Cheatle for her service and mentioned that he will appoint her successor to lead the Secret Service "soon." Following the assassination attempt on Trump, Biden ordered an independent review to assess the situation and stated that he looks forward to its conclusions.

"We all know what happened that day can never happen again," Biden emphasized.

Responding to the news of Cheatle's resignation, Trump posted on Truth Social: "The Biden/Harris Administration did not properly protect me, and I was forced to take a bullet for Democracy. IT WAS MY GREAT HONOR TO DO SO!"

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., criticized Cheatle, stating in a Tuesday release that she "instilled no confidence" during her questioning by frustrated lawmakers from both parties over the Secret Service’s failure to protect Trump.