US Secret Service Director resigns

WASHINGTON, US Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle submitted Tuesday her resignation over the "security lapse at Trump's rally". "I take full responsibility for the security lapse at Trump's rally," Cheatle said in a letter. "As I've stated, the Secret Service will move forward with our investigatory and protective mission in a steadfast manner. "We do not retreat from challenge. However, I do not want my calls for resignation to be a distraction from the great work each and every one of you do towards our vital mission. "In light of recent events, it is with a heavy heart that, I have made the difficult decision to step down as your Director," she added. On July 13, the day of the shooting, the agency fell short of its mission to protect "our nation's leaders", she said. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden said that "Jill (his wife) and I are grateful to Director Kim Cheatle for her decades of public service. She has selflessly dedicated and risked her life to protect our nation throughout her caree r in the United States Secret Service. "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," he noted Biden indicated that "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 went to say that "the independent review to get to the bottom of what happened on July 13 continues, and I look forward to assessing its conclusions. We all know what happened that day can never happen again. As we move forward, I wish Kim all the best, and I will plan to appoint a new Director soon". Source: Kuwait News Agency