U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has resigned.
Cheatle resigned on Tuesday amid a backlash that the secret police did not do enough to protect former U.S. President Donald Trump when an attempt was made on his life at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
“To the Men and Women of the U.S. Secret Service, The Secret Service’s solemn mission is to protect our nation’s leaders and financial infrastructure,” Cheatle wrote in a letter to the agency. “On July 13th, we fell short on that mission.”
Cheatle noted that the “scrutiny” over the law enforcement agency and her leadership “has been intense and will continue to remain as our operational tempo increases.”
“As your Director, I take full responsibility for the security lapse,” she wrote, noting that the “incident does not define us.”
“We remain an organisation based on integrity and staffed by individuals of exceptional dedication and talent,” she stated. “We do not retreat from challenge,” she wrote. “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.”
Cheatle added, “I love this agency, our mission, and the great men and women who sacrifice so much every day,” she wrote. “I have, and will 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.”
The embattled Secret Service chief said, “As I stated in the hearing yesterday, all of you are worthy of trust and confidence. You deserve the nation’s support in carrying out our critical mission.”
Cheatle added, “One of my favourite things about this workforce is that the men and women are fiercely committed to our mission. Thank you for all that you do, and will continue to do, for our great nation.”
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