Secret Service Director Resigns After Bloodbath Hearing

(Scypre.com) – In the wake of an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has resigned amidst mounting pressure from lawmakers. The announcement, first reported by NBC News, comes after a series of intense calls for her resignation from both Democratic and Republican leaders.

Resignation Amid Controversy

Cheatle’s resignation letter, obtained from a senior official, details the immense scrutiny she faced following the security lapse. “The scrutiny over the last week has been intense and will continue to remain as our operational tempo increases,” Cheatle wrote. She accepted full responsibility for the incident, stating, “In light of recent events, it is with a heavy heart that I have made the difficult decision to step down as your Director.”

Having led the agency since September 2022, Cheatle’s departure marks a significant moment for the Secret Service. While the exact date of her last day remains unclear, President Joe Biden has expressed gratitude for her service and announced plans to appoint her successor soon.

Biden’s Response and Independent Review

In a statement, President Biden acknowledged Cheatle’s service and emphasized the importance of understanding the events that transpired. Following the assassination attempt, Biden ordered an independent review to assess the security failure. “We all know what happened that day can never happen again,” Biden said, underscoring the need for comprehensive examination and reform.

Trump’s Reaction

Former President Trump responded to the resignation via Truth Social, criticizing the Biden administration’s handling of his security. “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!” he wrote.

Congressional Outrage and Demands for Accountability

Cheatle faced a barrage of criticism from lawmakers during a recent House Oversight Committee hearing. Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., expressed deep frustration over the agency’s failure to protect Trump. “She instilled no confidence,” Comer said, reflecting the bipartisan exasperation over the situation.

Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., was particularly vocal, accusing Cheatle of evasion and dishonesty. “You’re full of s— today!” Mace exclaimed during the hearing, condemning Cheatle’s lack of transparency.

In a joint letter, Comer and Ranking Member Jamie Raskin, D-Md., demanded Cheatle’s resignation, citing her inability to provide satisfactory answers regarding the security breach. “The committee and the American people demand serious institutional accountability and transparency that you are not providing,” they wrote, calling for new leadership to restore trust.

Calls for Resignation and Potential Impeachment

Top Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., and Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso, R-Wyo., also urged Cheatle to step down. Before her resignation, several GOP lawmakers had indicated plans to file impeachment articles against her.

Cheatle’s Final Statements

In an interview with ABC News, Cheatle acknowledged her responsibility, stating, “The buck stops with me.” She revealed that the agency was conducting an internal review of the incident but had yet to uncover all the details.

The assassination attempt occurred on July 13, during a rally where Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, began shooting from a rooftop. According to sources, Secret Service agents identified Crooks as a potential threat 10 minutes before Trump took the stage, but 20 minutes passed before he opened fire.

Trump suffered a gunshot wound to his right ear, while a former fire official, Corey Comperatore, was killed in the attack. Two other individuals were injured and hospitalized but are now recovering.