Secret Service Boss, Once Boasting ‘Zero Fail Mission,’ Faces Resignation Demands Post-Trump Rally

Lawmakers and various political factions are scrutinizing how an armed assailant breached security at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania last weekend.

WASHINGTON — Kimberly Cheatle, the Secret Service director, once emphasized to training agents the immense responsibility of safeguarding the president. Now, her agency’s “zero fail” mission is under intense examination following an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a rally on July 13. Trump was injured, raising questions about Secret Service protocols.

Cheatle, who will testify before Congress on Monday, described the shooting incident as “unacceptable.” She emphasized that the ultimate responsibility lies with her and affirmed her commitment to remain in her position, backed by the current administration.

President Joe Biden appointed Cheatle in August 2022 to address the agency’s past issues and enhance diversity. With 27 years of service behind her, Cheatle faces the monumental task of rectifying the recent failure in protecting Trump.

Initial reports indicate that the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, managed to position himself roughly 147 yards (135 meters) from Trump. A former fire chief at the rally, Corey Comperatore, was killed, and two others were injured. The Biden administration has initiated an independent review of the security measures, with the Homeland Security Department’s inspector general launching multiple investigations.

Calls for Cheatle’s resignation are increasing. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell emphasized the need for new leadership, while House Speaker Mike Johnson urged for Cheatle’s immediate dismissal, citing Comperatore’s death and Trump’s near fatal injury.

The House Oversight and Accountability Committee has issued a subpoena for Cheatle to appear on Monday. Some have criticized Cheatle’s leadership and questioned whether hiring standards were compromised during her tenure, particularly concerning female agents. However, Homeland Security’s acting deputy secretary, Kristie Canegallo, dismissed these criticisms as disrespectful to female law enforcement officers.

The Secret Service has faced retention challenges, with women accounting for about 24% of its workforce. In a conversation with CBS News in May 2023, Cheatle highlighted the importance of attracting and nurturing diverse talent, especially women.

Biden’s endorsement of Cheatle in 2022 described her as a distinguished law enforcement professional with exceptional leadership skills and his “complete trust.” Cheatle succeeded James M. Murray amid investigations into missing text messages related to the January 6 Capitol riot, which the agency attributed to a technology transition.

The Secret Service’s checkered past includes a 2012 prostitution scandal and a 2014 security breach when a man jumped the White House fence. Yet, under Cheatle’s leadership, the agency successfully managed numerous high-stakes events, including Biden’s visit to Ukraine.

Cheatle’s career began after a persistent application process, eventually leading to assignments in the Detroit office, Washington, and various protective roles, including serving Vice President Dick Cheney. Her rise in the agency saw her become the first woman named assistant director of protective operations, managing a $133.5 million budget.