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‘It’s not enough’: Kimberly Cheatle RESIGNS, but she’s not out of the woods just yet

July 23, 2024 | | Print Article

One day after an evasive appearance before the House Oversight Committee embattled Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has resigned — a decision that should not have taken this long. Then again, if there had been strong leadership in the White House, Cheatle would never have had the opportunity to make the decision.

Cheatle has been under intense pressure since the failed assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, where 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks was inexplicably able to access a roof less than 150 yards from where Trump was speaking at a rally. With rifle in hand, Crooks had a clear line of sight, and despite being seen by counter-snipers, was able to get off a series of shots, striking the former president in the head. Three rallygoers were also hit, with one of the three, Corey Comperatore, being killed as he heroically tried to shield his wife and two daughters.

“I take full responsibility for the security lapse,” Cheatle said in an email to staff, according to the Associate Press. “In light of recent events, it is with a heavy heart that I have made the difficult decision to step down as your director.”

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) shared a video statement in response to Cheatle stepping down, adding in the caption: “Director Cheatle answered our calls to resign. Good. Now our task force will quickly and thoroughly investigate the assassination attempt on President Trump and hold those responsible accountable.”

A message purportedly from President Biden offered effusive praise for the disgraced director, who was an acquaintance of First Lady Jill Biden:

“Jill and I are grateful to Director Kim Cheatle for her decades of public service. 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.

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“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.”

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis posted on X, “She should have resigned immediately following the shooting. Biden should have fired her anyways. After her disastrous testimony, she had no other option, but this is only the beginning of what needs to be sweeping accountability for the agency.”

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Tylor Greene (R-GA), asked the director directly on Monday, “Was there a stand-down order, Ms. Cheatle? Was there a conspiracy to kill President Trump?!”

Greene responded to the resignation to suggest that Cheatle may not be off the hook just yet.

“On her last day on the job in @GOPoversight, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle participated in a cover up of the assassination attempt of President Trump,” the GOP lawmaker posted on X. “Cheatle has resigned, but she may face criminal investigations for her role on 7/13 & her response in the days after.”

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Here’s a sampling of responses to the story from X, including a comment from former Sen. Jim DeMint calling for Homeland Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who oversees the Secret Service, to also resign:

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Tom Tillison
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