Secret Service director resigns in wake of Trump assassination attempt

U.S. Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle resigned from her job, according to a statement released by the White House.

President Biden thanked Cheatle for her service, saying "she has selflessly dedicated and risked her life to protect our nation throughout her career in the United States Secret Service."

Biden cited the work of an independent review commission that was launched this weekend to investigate the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pa., on July 13.

"The independent review to get to the bottom of what happened on July 13 continues, and I look forward to assessing its conclusions," the statement reads. "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."

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas also thanked Cheatle for her service.

"Over the past two years, she has led the Secret Service with skill, honor, integrity, and tireless dedication," he said in a statement. "She is deeply respected by the men and women of the agency and by her fellow leaders in the Department of Homeland Security. I am proud to have worked with Director Cheatle and we are all grateful for her service."

"Congress deserves answers"

Cheatle's resignation comes a day after she testified before the House Oversight Committee, where she faced criticism from both Democrats and Republicans for not being able to fully answer their questions about the assassination attempt.

“The Secret Service’s solemn mission is to protect our nation’s leaders. On July 13th, we failed,” Cheatle said at the hearing. “As the Director of the United States Secret Service, I take full responsibility for any security