4 months ago
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Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned on Tuesday following a disastrous appearance before Congress to review the assassination attempt against former President Trump.
Cheatle has faced calls to resign since the July 13 rally in Butler, Pa., during which a gunman managed to fire shots at Trump, piercing his ear.
But those calls grew louder during a hearing before the Oversight Committee in which Cheatle infuriated lawmakers on both sides by sidestepping multiple questions and failing to provide sought-after details about how the agency was reckoning with its failure to secure Trump’s safety.
“I take full responsibility for the security lapse,” she said in the email to staff Tuesday that was obtained by The Associated Press. “In light of recent events, it is with a heavy heart that I have made the difficult decision to step down as your director.”
The Secret Service has what it calls a “no fail” mission, one that does not allow for error in securing the safety of its protectees.
In addition to Trump, two others were wounded during the shooting while another man lost his life in the attack.
Cheatle acknowledged the shooting was a failure for the agency.
“The Secret Service’s solemn mission is to protect our nation’s leaders. On July 13th...
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