Secret Service Director Steps Down
Summary from the AllSides News Team
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned Tuesday following intense scrutiny of the agency over its handling of the attempt on former President Donald Trump's life.
Key Quote: "I take full responsibility for the security lapse," Cheatle wrote in a staff email obtained by the Associated Press (Lean Left bias), adding, "In light of recent events, it is with a heavy heart that I have made the difficult decision to step down as your director."
For Context: Lawmakers from both major parties had asked Cheatle to step down following what she described as "the most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades." Despite this, she initially resisted these calls, telling the House Oversight Committee on Monday that she was "the best person to lead the Secret Service at this time."
How the Media Covered It: Coverage was prominently featured in most major news outlets regardless of bias rating. While there was some variance in noting specific context, coverage across the spectrum negatively framed Cheatle as having "admitted" failure. Update 11:48am ET: Added context and bias analysis.
Featured Coverage of this Story
From the Left
Secret Service director steps down after assassination attempt against ex-President Trump at rallyThe director of the Secret Service said Tuesday she is resigning following the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump that unleashed intensifying outcry about how the agency tasked with protecting current and former presidents could fail in its core mission.
Kimberly Cheatle, who had served as Secret Service director since August 2022, had been facing growing calls to resign and several investigations into how the shooter was able to get so close to the Republican presidential nominee at an outdoor campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
From the Right
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigns in wake of Trump assassination attemptSecret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle – who has just resigned from her position following the Trump assassination attempt – told fellow agents in an internal message obtained by Fox News that “all of you are worthy of trust and confidence.”
“You deserve the nation’s support in carrying out our critical mission,” she said. “One of my favorite 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,” she concluded.
From the Center
Kimberly Cheatle, director of Secret Service, resignsSecret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has resigned a little more than a week after the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump at his rally, NewsNation has confirmed.
Cheatle faced calls to step down from lawmakers in both political parties who questioned the agency’s actions in the July 13 shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania. On Monday, she testified publicly in front of the House Oversight Committee after a week of closed-door interviews.
Admitting that the agency “failed,” Cheatle told lawmakers that she takes full responsibility for any security lapse on the day of the attack.
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