US Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigns days after assassination attempt on Donald Trump

She announced her resignation amid lawmakers and an internal government watchdog moving forward with investigations into the agency’s handling of the security of the former US President.

Cheatle said in her resignation letter that she made the “difficult” decision to leave the agency “with a heavy heart” and that she doesn’t want her departure to distract agents from their mission, reported CNN.

“In light of recent events, it is with a heavy heart that, I have made the difficult decision to step down as your Director,” Cheatle wrote. She acknowledged that on July 13, the day of the shooting, the agency “fell short” of its mission to “to protect our nation’s leaders.”

Who stepped into her shoes?

Secret Service Deputy Director Ronald Rowe is currently leading the agency since Cheatle resigned.

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas said in a statement: "I have appointed United States Secret Service Deputy Director Ronald L. Rowe, Jr. to serve as Acting Director of the Secret Service. Deputy Director Rowe has been Deputy Director of Secret Service since April 2023."

Joe Biden reacts to Kim Cheatle's resignation

US President Joe Biden said he is grateful for her service to the nation.

"She has selflessly dedicated and risked her life to protect our nation throughout her career in the United States Secret Service. We especially thank her for answering the call to lead the Secret Service during our Administration and we are grateful for her service to our family," Biden said in a statement.

He said: "The independent review to get to the bottom of what happened on July 13 continues, and I look forward to assessing its conclusions. We all know what happened that day can never happen again. As we move forward, I wish Kim all the best, and I will plan to appoint a new Director soon."

What happened during the rally?

Former US President Donald Trump received injuries on his right ear during a Saturday election campaign rally at Pennsylvania's Butler, in what is seen as an assassination bid that left the 78-year-old Republican presidential candidate's face streaked with blood with his alert security agents rushing him off the stage even as he pumped his fist in the air, mouthing the words "Fight! Fight! Fight!"

The shooter, along with one bystander who was there to attend the rally, died.

As gunshots were heard, Trump, who was just six minutes into his election speech, was seen clutching a hand to his right ear, where blood was visible across his cheek and mouth.

Two other spectators were injured, the Secret Service said in a statement. The incident was being investigated as an assassination attempt.

Secret Service agents were quick to respond and surrounded Trump while escorting him off the stage, as he raised a fist to the crowd in defiance.