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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The Director of the United States Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, has stepped down after calls for her resignation began to grow following the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
Cheatle’s resignation comes less than 24 hours after she faced questions from angry lawmakers at the US Capitol, who dubbed the Secret Service’s failure to protect Trump as incompetent.
“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 in a letter, according to NBC NEWS.
In the letter, which is yet to be made public, the Cheatle said the agency “fell short” of its mission to “to protect our nation’s leaders.”
“As I’ve stated, the Secret Service will move forward with our investigatory and protective mission in a steadfast manner.
“We do not retreat from challenge. However, I do not want my calls for resignation to be a distraction from the great work each and every one of you do towards our vital mission,” She said.
President Joe Biden said Cheatle’s decision took honour, courage and incredible integrity.
“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.
The president said he will appoint a new director soon.
Trump was speaking at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on July 13, when a shooter opened fire from the rooftop of a building overlooking the crowd and the stage.
The gunman, later identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, killed one attendee and wounded two others, including Trump, whose right ear was grazed by a bullet.
