The Director of the U.S. Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, resigned yesterday, a day after acknowledging that the agency failed in its mission to prevent the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.
Later, the Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, announced the appointment of Ronald L. Rowe Jr. as the acting Director of the U.S. Secret Service.
The Secretary emphasized the importance and difficulty of this mission, noting that it is the "largest protection service in the world" and that Rowe will face one of the most challenging and solemn tasks in the government.
Rowe has been the Deputy Director of the Secret Service since April 2023. Cheatle was under pressure from both Democrats and Republicans who called for her resignation after a 20-year-old man shot the Republican presidential candidate in the ear during a rally on July 13 in Pennsylvania.
"She should have done it at least a week ago," said Mike Johnson, Republican Speaker of the House, to reporters. "I am glad to see that she has heeded the request of both Republicans and Democrats," he added.
President Joe Biden thanked Cheatle for her nearly three decades in the Secret Service, stating that she has "selflessly dedicated and risked her life" to protect the country throughout her career.
"We all know that what happened that day cannot happen again," the President said, announcing that he will "soon" appoint a new Director.