WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Following blistering questions from both Republicans and Democrats Monday Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has resigned despite telling lawmakers she had no intention of doing so.
Director Cheatle was chastised by members of both parties, where her agency was accused of being incompetent in its duties to protect former president Donald Trump.
Director Cheatle acknowledged the security failures that led to the assassination attempt.
This could have been a lengthy, drawn-out process which could have ended with President Joe Biden firing her.
Instead, it appears she decided that resigning was in the best interest of herself and the agency.
Despite resigning she will be a critical part of the investigation as it progresses.
“I’m happy to see that she has heeded the call of both Republicans and Democrats. Now we have to pick up the piece is we have to rebuild the American people’s faith and trust in the Secret Service is an agency,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson.
There is no word yet on a successor but at least for the time being the agency will likely be led by the deputy director until the president names a new director.