In a striking move, Utah Senator Mike Lee has called for the immediate resignation of U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, following the recent security failure during an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. Lee's demands came after a shooting at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a shooter infiltrated the event, highlighting lapses in security measures under Cheatle's leadership.
So far Cheatle has clung on to her job amidst the firestorm.
BREAKING: We just confronted the Secret Service Director at the RNC Convention.
She can run, but she can’t hide from accountability. pic.twitter.com/i7NUIpGeLC
— Marsha Blackburn (@VoteMarsha) July 18, 2024
Sen. Lee asserted that President Joe Biden should be "mortifyingly embarrassed" by the Secret Service's failures. Cheatle, appointed by Biden in September 2022, has faced mounting criticism, especially after acknowledging the agency's shortcomings during the assassination attempt. She attributed part of the failure to local law enforcement's responsibility for the building used by the shooter but admitted the overall lapse was "unacceptable".
This is not the first controversy surrounding Cheatle. She was previously criticized for the high turnover rate within the Secret Service and the agency's involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot investigations. Despite these issues, Cheatle has defended her tenure, emphasizing efforts to diversify the Secret Service and improve its operational protocols.
NEW: Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, currently under fire following security lapses at President Trump's rally in Butler, PA.
According to sources, Cheatle owes her position to significant backing from First Lady Jill Biden's office.
Insiders close to the Biden… pic.twitter.com/H9jeeOMJ6J
— Hank (@HANKonX) July 15, 2024
Lee's demand for Cheatle's resignation reflects growing concerns among conservative lawmakers about the Biden administration's handling of national security. This incident at the Trump rally has intensified scrutiny, with Lee leading the charge for accountability within the Secret Service.
In his statement, Lee underscored the gravity of the security breach, calling it a significant failure that could have resulted in a national tragedy. He stressed that effective leadership within the Secret Service is critical to preventing such threats and ensuring the safety of public officials and citizens alike.
Kimberly Cheatle, with over 25 years in the Secret Service and experience in various high-profile security roles, now faces increasing pressure to step down. As the first woman to serve as Assistant Director of Protective Operations, Cheatle has a storied career but now confronts perhaps the greatest challenge of her tenure.
The call for her resignation marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over national security and the effectiveness of current leadership. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on the steps the Biden administration will take to address these security concerns and restore confidence in the Secret Service.
