Secret Service Director Cheatle resigns amid backlash over security lapses at Trump rally

Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle resigned Tuesday amid backlash from the agency's security lapses that allowed a sniper to open fire from a rooftop near the July 13 campaign rally for GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump, killing one and wounding three others including the former president. 

Cheatle's resignation followed bipartisan calls for her to step down and intense questioning Monday at a House Oversight Committee hearing. The calls grew as committee members heatedly exclaimed she failed to answers their questions at the hearing. 

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said at a news conference Tuesday that Cheatle's resignation was the right decision.

"It is overdue," he said. "She should have done this at least a week ago."

President Biden thanked Cheatle, who started with the Secret Service in 1995, for her career in public service. 

"She has selflessly dedicated and risked her life to protect our nation throughout her career in the United States Secret Service," he said on behalf of him and first lady Jill Biden. "We especially thank her for answering the call to lead the Secret Service during our Administration and we are grateful for her service to our family."

Biden referenced the criticism Cheatle has received since the assassination attempt on Trump.

"As a leader, it takes honor, courage, and incredible integrity to take full responsibility for an organization tasked with one of the most challenging jobs in public service," he said.

The sniper, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, climbed onto a building rooftop about 150 yards from the rally and fired the shots before being killed by a Secret Service counter-sniper. 

Among the unanswered questions is why Crooks was spotted before Trump took the stage but no action was taken until after he fired. Lawmakers have also been unable to determine why the building was not secured before the rally began in Butler, Pennsylvania.