Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigns after Trump shooting

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has dramatically announced her resignation following the massive security failures that led to the assassination attempt on Donald Trump.

Cheatle admitted in a letter to colleagues Tuesday that she was responsible for the colossal blunder, following a heated hearing on Capitol Hill on Monday in which dozens of Republican and Democratic lawmakers called on her to resign.

The beleaguered security chief has faced mounting questions about why no officer was present at the building 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 drew widespread criticism for claiming her agency was not on the roof from which the shooter fired because the roof was “sloped.”

For nine days, she refused to step down after the failures that led to Trump being shot in the ear.

“To the men and women of the United States Secret Service,” Cheatle wrote in her letter announcing her resignation.

‘The mission of the Secret Service is to protect our nation’s leaders and financial infrastructure.

“On July 13, we failed in that mission. The scrutiny over the past week has been intense and will continue to be intense as our operational tempo increases. As your director, I take full responsibility for the security failure.

‘However, this incident does not define us. We remain an organization built on integrity and staffed by individuals of exceptional dedication and talent.

“As I have said, the Secret Service will continue with determination in our investigative and protective mission.

“We do not back down from challenges. However, I do not want my calls for resignation to distract from the great work each of you is doing for our vital mission.

“When I got the call asking if I wanted to return to the Secret Service after my brief retirement, I didn’t hesitate. I love this agency, our mission and the great men and women who sacrifice so much every day. I have 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 took on the role of your director, I pledged to do so with honor and integrity.

“These values ​​have guided my entire 29-year career. As many of you know, I spent 27 years as a special agent — securing events for FPOTUS Clinton, serving as a supervisor on VP Cheney’s detail, leading RTC, operating as SAIC of ATL, overseeing VP Biden’s detail, and finally overseeing the agency’s protective mission under the Trump administration as AD-OPO.

As I said in yesterday’s hearing, you all deserve our trust. You deserve the support of the nation as we carry out our critical mission. One of my favorite things about this workforce is that the men and women are deeply committed to our mission.

“Thank you for all you do, and will continue to do, for our great country.”