US Secret Service boss to resign after admitting failures over Trump shooting | BBC News

Summary

US Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheeto has resigned following intense bipartisan scrutiny and calls for her resignation after a failed assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on July 13th. Lawmakers expressed anger and frustration over the lack of specifics and operational failures during a heated congressional hearing. The resignation comes amidst ongoing investigations into the security breach and the Secret Service's response to the incident.

Takeaways

• 📰 Breaking News: The head of the US Secret Service, Kimberly Cheeto, has resigned following a series of hostile questioning by lawmakers.
• 🔍 The resignation comes less than 24 hours after a tense hearing where lawmakers from both parties demanded her resignation due to the failed security measures during an attempted assassination on Donald Trump.
• 🕵️‍♀️ Kimberly Cheeto faced criticism for her lack of specifics and generalities in her answers regarding the timeline and details of the security failure.
• 🔎 The Secret Service's operational failure on July 13th was deemed one of the most significant in decades, leading to widespread calls for Cheeto's resignation.
• 🤔 Lawmakers questioned why the 20-year-old shooter was able to access the rooftop, highlighting a major lapse in security protocol.
• 🚨 Cheeto's response that the Secret Service did not have an issue with 'sterile roofs' was met with confusion and anger, further damaging her credibility.
• 🚀 Despite the mounting pressure and bipartisan calls for her resignation, Cheeto initially resisted, insisting she was the best person for the job.
• 🔍 The FBI had reportedly informed the Secret Service about the shooter flying a drone over the rally, raising questions about the agency's preparedness and response.
• 🔄 The resignation comes amidst an ongoing investigation into the security breach, with the new director expected to continue the probe.
• 🤷‍♀️ As of the report, there is no clear successor to Cheeto, leaving uncertainty about the future leadership of the US Secret Service.

Q & A

What is the breaking news about the US Secret Service?

The breaking news is that the head of the US Secret Service, Kimberly Cheeto, has resigned.

Why was Kimberly Cheeto questioned by lawmakers?

Kimberly Cheeto was questioned by lawmakers following the attempted assassination of Donald Trump on July 13th and the perceived operational failures of the Secret Service.

What was the general reaction of lawmakers during the questioning session?

The lawmakers were furious and frustrated, asking for her resignation and demanding answers about the timeline and details of the incident.

What was the main issue with the Secret Service's handling of the event on July 13th?

The main issue was the failure to secure the event and protect Donald Trump, as well as the lack of specifics in the follow-up investigation.

What was the specific question that angered the lawmakers during the hearing?

The lawmakers were particularly angered by the question of why the gunman was able to get onto the roof undetected and why there were no agents there to protect it.

What was Kimberly Cheeto's response to the criticism about the Secret Service's handling of the event?

Kimberly Cheeto acknowledged that it was a significant operational failure but resisted calls for her resignation, stating that she was the best person for the job.

What was the bipartisan reaction to Kimberly Cheeto's handling of the situation?

The calls for her resignation were bipartisan, with both Democrats and Republicans expressing their anger and frustration.

What was the role of the FBI in the incident according to the hearing?

According to the hearing, the FBI had informed the Secret Service that the shooter had flown a drone over the rally, indicating a known threat.

What was the final straw that led to Kimberly Cheeto's resignation?

The final straw was likely the intense grilling and bipartisan calls for her resignation during the hearing, following the failed protection of Donald Trump.

What is the status of the investigation into the attempted assassination attempt on Donald Trump?

The investigation is still ongoing, and the new director of the Secret Service will presumably have to continue it.

Outlines

00:00

📰 Resignation of US Secret Service Director

In the aftermath of an attempted assassination on former President Donald Trump, the US Secret Service Director, Kimberly Cheeto, has resigned following a highly contentious congressional hearing. The session was marked by bipartisan anger and frustration over the lack of specific details provided by Cheeto regarding the security failure on July 13th. Lawmakers from both parties demanded her resignation, with some even resorting to swearing at her. Despite her insistence that she was the best person for the job, the mounting pressure and the undeniable operational failure led to her resignation, which was confirmed by various US media agencies.

05:00

🔍 Congressional Scrutiny and the Resignation Decision

The resignation of the US Secret Service Director, Kimberly Cheeto, comes amidst intense scrutiny from Congress over the failed security measures during an event that almost led to the assassination of Donald Trump. Lawmakers questioned her on the timeline and details of the incident, particularly the gunman's access to the rooftop, which was not adequately secured. Cheeto's responses were seen as evasive and confusing, leading to a heated exchange with the committee. The hearing revealed a significant operational failure by the Secret Service, and despite Cheeto's initial refusal to resign, the pressure from both Republicans and Democrats ultimately led to her decision to step down. The identity of her successor remains unknown, and the ongoing investigation into the security breach will continue under new leadership.

10:01

🚨 Immediate Reactions to the Resignation News

The news of the resignation of the US Secret Service Director, Kimberly Cheeto, has sent shockwaves through Washington, with immediate reactions coming from various quarters. The announcement follows a particularly hostile congressional hearing where lawmakers from both Democrats and Republicans grilled Cheeto on the security lapses that occurred during the rally where an assassination attempt on Donald Trump took place. The resignation is seen as inevitable given the severity of the security failure and the widespread bipartisan calls for her to step down. While the details of the resignation process and the identity of the interim successor are yet to be confirmed, the news has already been picked up by major US media outlets, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for a thorough investigation into the incident.

Keywords

💡Secret Service

The Secret Service is a federal law enforcement agency in the United States primarily responsible for protecting the President, Vice President, and other high-ranking officials. In the video script, the Secret Service is under scrutiny due to a significant operational failure related to an attempted assassination on Donald Trump, highlighting the agency's critical role in ensuring the security of U.S. leaders.

💡Kimberly Cheeto

Kimberly Cheeto is referred to as the head of the Secret Service in the script. Her resignation is the central news event, triggered by her agency's failure to prevent an assassination attempt on Donald Trump. The script describes her as facing hostile questions from lawmakers during a congressional hearing, indicating her pivotal role in the unfolding crisis.

💡Assassination Attempt

The term 'assassination attempt' is used to describe the event on July 13th, where an attempt was made on the life of Donald Trump. This event is the catalyst for the intense questioning of the Secret Service's director and the subsequent calls for her resignation, underscoring the severity of the security breach.

💡Lawmakers

Lawmakers in this context refer to members of Congress who are questioning the Secret Service's director. Their role is crucial as they represent the legislative branch's oversight of the executive branch, demanding accountability for the failed security measures during the Trump rally.

💡Timeline

The 'timeline' is a key concept in the script as it pertains to the sequence of events leading up to the assassination attempt. Lawmakers are particularly interested in understanding the detailed chronology of events, which is crucial for assessing the Secret Service's preparedness and response.

💡Operational Failure

An 'operational failure' is a term used to describe a significant breakdown in the execution of a mission or task. In the script, it is used to characterize the Secret Service's performance during the Trump rally, where they failed to protect the former president, leading to widespread criticism and calls for reform.

💡Resignation

The 'resignation' of Kimberly Cheeto is a pivotal moment in the script. It signifies the culmination of the pressure and criticism she faced following the failed security operation. The term is used to denote her decision to step down from her role as the director of the Secret Service.

💡FBI

The FBI, or Federal Bureau of Investigation, is mentioned in the script as having provided information about a drone flown over the rally by the shooter. This highlights the interagency cooperation and the flow of intelligence that is critical in preventing threats to public figures.

💡Hearing

A 'hearing' in this context refers to a formal meeting where the Secret Service's director is questioned by lawmakers. The script describes a highly combative and heated hearing, where the director faced intense scrutiny and calls for her resignation, reflecting the gravity of the situation.

💡Bipartisan

The term 'bipartisan' is used to describe the unified stance of both Democrats and Republicans in calling for the Secret Service director's resignation. This is notable as it shows a rare moment of agreement across party lines, emphasizing the severity of the security lapse.

💡Security Protocol

The 'security protocol' refers to the set of procedures and measures put in place to ensure the safety of individuals, particularly high-profile figures like Donald Trump. The script discusses the failure of these protocols during the rally, leading to the attempted assassination and subsequent calls for accountability.

Highlights

Breaking news: The head of the US Secret Service, Kimberly Cheetle, has just resigned.

Kimberly Cheetle was questioned by lawmakers following the attempted assassination of Donald Trump on July 13th.

The hearing saw bipartisan fury from both Democrats and Republicans over the security failures.

Lawmakers demanded Cheetle's resignation, citing a lack of specifics and generalities in her answers.

Cheetle admitted it was the most significant operational failure in decades for the Secret Service.

Despite facing hostile questions, Cheetle resisted calls for her resignation during the session.

Media outlets such as Reuters, Associated Press, and AFP confirmed Cheetle's resignation.

The resignation came less than 24 hours after the combative congressional hearing.

Cheetle was accused of stonewalling and faced bipartisan calls for her resignation.

Cheetle defended her position, claiming she was the best person for the job despite the investigation.

The Secret Service was heavily scrutinized for how the shooter managed to get onto a rooftop.

Cheetle's answers, particularly about security gaps and a drone threat, angered lawmakers.

One Republican lawmaker, Nancy Mace, swore at Cheetle during the session due to frustration.

Cheetle acknowledged previous security lapses within the Secret Service.

The investigation into the attempted assassination is ongoing, with no successor for Cheetle named yet.

The director's resignation is seen as inevitable due to mounting pressure and scrutiny.

Lawmakers criticized the Secret Service's overall security protocol at Trump's rally.

Cheetle's insistence on not resigning despite the failure was a focal point of contention.

The combative nature of the hearing was highlighted by bipartisan agreement on the need for accountability.

Transcripts

let's turn straight to breaking news

important breaking news coming from the

US because a whole variety of Us Media

is reporting that the head of the Secret

Service Kimberly cheetle has just

resigned and of course we saw her being

questioned Yesterday by lawmakers uh

this that session that there was Fury

from just across the aisle Democrats and

Republicans after the events of July the

13th that attempted assassination

attempt against Donald Trump and she

faced a whole series of really really

hostile questions for years I've watched

these events and these sessions in

Washington and Congress and I've not

seen a session quite like this these the

pictures of her arriving there yesterday

and lawmaker after lawmaker demanding

her resignation asking her questions

about the timeline the det

and often in terms of the answers that

they were getting yesterday there was

generalities there was a lack of

specifics she was asked about the

timeline the details about how that

20-year-old shooter came to be on that

rooftop and there was Fury as I say and

frustration from those lawmakers uh in

the house in terms of the answers they

actually heard from her and uh she con

seeed did that uh in terms of that

operation it was the most significant

operational failure at the Secret

Service in decades but that didn't stop

her from resisting those calls in person

for her to resign but that news just

emerging that the US secret service

director has resigned we wait to see the

details of any letters and any

correspondence and reaction there has

been but uh inevitable in the sense of

what happened on July the 13th the

absolute failures of securing that event

and even the follow-up investigation

there were so many gaps in terms of the

answers from the director yesterday and

at one stage one of the lawmakers

swearing at her and was asked to watch

their language but such was the the

level of frustration there you see all

the cameras uh just before that session

started but it went on for hours in

terms of the grilling of Kimberly

cheetle and in terms of quite what had

happened all the US Agencies confirming

the same story The Reuters news agency

had originally reported it the

Associated Press the AFP all reporting

that the director of The Secret Service

Kimberly Cheeto has now resigned so

let's bring in Norma ikbal she's there

in Washington just getting uh set up and

ready to talk to me at the first

reaction there in Washington after this

news breaking but the

director choosing this moment to resign

less than 24 hours after that session as

I say n ebal has just got into position

namia I said there as we were waiting

for you inevitable and having watched

that session there was no other

eventuality was

there it was pretty remarkable watching

the hearing yesterday because it was so

combative uh kimy cheetle was accused by

the the the committee of stonewalling

and and and remember Matthew it was the

calls for her to go were bipartisan and

you know we always make this point don't

we that whenever you see any sort of

bipartisanship on the hill it's always a

quite a rare moment but uh she she said

constantly when she was called on to

resign that she was the best person for

the job that this investigation was

still getting underway into what

happened at Donald Trump's rally and

whilst that was happening she would not

stand down but I I I I was saying

yesterday uh when we were covering it on

air that her position was becoming

increasingly untenable I mean for the

last uh nine or nine days before she

appeared at the hearing there were

constant calls for her to step down at

the Republican National Convention which

we attended last week

she was there and she was confronted

very angrily by many Republicans who

were demanding to know what happened why

did the Secret Service uh not deliver uh

why did they fail to protect uh the

former president Donald Trump and she

kept saying that you know she she would

not be resigning and that she was coming

to this hearing to explain herself but

it was always going to be a very hostile

hearing which it was uh there were

always these calls for her to resign

weren't going to go away and in the end

it appears uh just to confirm this is

what our partner station CBS is saying

is that she does plan to step down uh

from her position as director of the US

Secret Service and is it a resignation

or effectively has she been

fired good question um I at the moment

we understand that she to resign uh now

there were calls from some members of

the Congressional committee for her to

be fired uh by by the president but it

from what we understand is that she has

resigned and we'll get more details

obviously um as the story keeps

developing but you look there was no

there was no doubt that the Secret

Service was under this huge

scrutiny these questions mounting on how

this attempted assassination could have

even happened in the hearing there were

there were there was one real crucial

question which is why was uh the gunman

able to get onto the roof why weren't

there agents there already to protect it

and she had given a quite a bizarre

answer she said that uh the Secret

Service wasn't uh didn't had an issue

with sterile roof roofs and rooftops and

that was quite confusing and she she

apologized for previously saying that uh

they had a problem with uh flat roofs so

it was it was all it was quite confusing

and that that answer uh prompted a very

angry response by the committee also the

other point in the the hearing she had

said that the FBI had told the Secret

Service that the the shooter had flown a

drone over the rally before it happened

and that they were aware of that so

there was another question if you knew

there was a threat to Donald Trump why

on Earth was he allowed on

stage all these questions she couldn't

answer all of them she kept making the

point that the investigation was still

underway yes and so again all of that

led to this this sort of inevitable

moments where it as we are reporting we

understand that she she has resigned

you're exactly right that some of the

answers she gave angered lawmakers the

gaps in knowledge some of the the basic

questions she was being asked days after

this assassination attempt she wasn't

able to provide information that

frustrated and angered them even more

with one lawmaker as I was saying a

little earlier even swearing at one

point at

her that's right that was uh the

Republican Nancy mace uh and uh she she

basically said to her you're full of the

bleep word and uh accused Miss cheetle

of not being being on list um just to

remind people watching that that the

Secret Service was in charge of

organizing and managing the overall

security protocol for the rally and when

she arrived at at her hearing when she

gave the statement right out of the gate

she said that it was a significant

operational failure she made the point

that the Secret Service exists to

ultimately protect uh leaders of the US

former leaders

and that they had failed uh but uh as we

as we're say as we're talking she she

she kept sort of not answering the

questions that's certainly how the the

lawmakers felt crucial questions and it

was very combative it got very heated

you mentioned there Nancy mace who uh is

a republican swore at her was very angry

and there were other members of the

committee from the Democratic party

Alexandria kazia Cortez a you know

Progressive Rive Democrat who was very

critical as well of Miss cheetle that

the criticism was across the board uh we

saw that happen in in the in the hearing

but miss cheetle was standing firm she

said that I'm not resigning that I'm the

best person for the job uh she said even

if this had happened to President Joe

Biden uh she would still feel the same

way that she was the best person to to

direct the agency uh but it appears that

pressure has become too much yes and I

think that's not surprising n me just a

a final thought for now because she did

acknowledge in that questioning there

had been other lapses previously what is

being said do we know who her successor

is or who the temporary successor is

because such a crucial job as we run

into the presidential

campaign yes um we don't know yet who is

likely to to replace her um we also know

by the way that this this criminal this

it's s investigation into what happened

is still ongoing so presumably whoever

takes over from her will have to will

have to investigate that as well but as

of yet and obviously as soon as we find

out details we'll let you know but we

don't know uh who will replace her and

also exactly what has happened if she's

resigned as CBS our partner station is

reporting or if she's been

fired Nal lying for us there in

Washington thanks very much for that

snapshot analysis just moments after it

is worth repeating that breaking news

that all the US agencies are reporting

that the US secret service director

Kimberly cheel has resigned we were

watching that session only yesterday

with lawmakers both Democratic and

Republican absolutely grilling the

director about the events of July the

13th that attempted assassination

attempt on Donald Trump