Introduction: Trump assassination

The director of the Secret Service is resigning after the assassination of former
President Donald Trump sparked outrage that the agency,
which protects current and former presidents, is failing in its core mission.

The U.S. Secret Service Director

walks into a House Oversight
Committee hearing on the security lapses that enabled the assassination
of Republican presidential candidate and former U.S.

President Donald Trump at the Capitol in Washington, U.S., July 22, 2024.
Kimberly Cheatle. Photo credit: Reuters
The head of the US Secret Service announced on July 23 that he would

resign from his position following the assassination attempt on former
US President Donald Trump. There have been widespread
protests that an agency tasked with protecting current

and former presidents could be failing in its core mission.
Kimberly Seattle, who has served as Secret Service director since
August 2022, has faced mounting calls to resign and has been repeatedly

asked how the shooter managed to get so close to the Republican
presidential candidate at an outdoor campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
“I take full responsibility for the security deficiencies,”

he said in an email to employees that was obtained by The Associated Press.
Due to recent events, I have made the difficult decision to retire from coaching.

How the attempted assassination of former U.S. President Donald Trump unfolded

Ms. Seitle’s departure after the July 13 debacle is unlikely to end scrutiny
of the long-troubled agency and comes at a critical time ahead of the Democratic
National Convention and a busy presidential campaign season.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have vowed to continue the investigation,
including a general investigation led by the inspector general and an independent,
bipartisan initiative ordered by President Joe Biden that will be reviewed by the agency.

More than anything, Minister Chitel represents his commitment to his country
by coming out of retirement to lead this agency in the noble mission
that he loves and has dedicated his career to. For the past two years

he has headed the Secret Service. Honor, integrity and tireless service,
and he is deeply respected by the men and women of the agency
and the leaders of his colleagues in the Department of Homeland Security.

“The men and women of the United States Secret Service put their lives on the line
every day to protect others. They are making the Secret Service
the largest protective organization in the world.”