In a surprising turn of events, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle announced her resignation on Tuesday, 10 days after the near-assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The incident, which raised concerns about the agency's ability to protect high-profile individuals, prompted widespread calls for Cheatle's departure.

Deputy Director Ronald Rowe will take over as acting director following Cheatle's resignation, according to the agency's confirmation. The move comes on the heels of a scathing House Oversight Committee hearing where bipartisan lawmakers criticized Cheatle for her handling of the security breach and her refusal to provide necessary details.

Cheatle's resignation also comes after mounting pressure from lawmakers and intense scrutiny of the security failures at Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13. During the rally, a lone gunman, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired shots at Trump, narrowly missing him. The shooter was eventually neutralized by a Secret Service countersniper, but not before killing a firefighter and injuring two others.

President Joe Biden praised Cheatle for her decades of public service and acknowledged her commitment to protecting the nation during his vice presidency. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed his satisfaction with Cheatle's resignation, emphasizing the importance of accountability within the agency.

Trump himself criticized the Secret Service for the first time on his new platform, Truth Social, claiming that the Biden administration failed to properly protect him. However, Cheatle and other Secret Service officials have repeatedly stated that politics play no role in their security efforts and that they protect all dignitaries to the best of their ability.

Security experts deemed the near-assassination attempt as the most significant security failure since President Ronald Reagan's 1981 shooting. In response, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced the launch of an independent review into the Secret Service's operational conduct. The Department of Homeland Security's inspector general's office will also conduct an investigation.

As Cheatle's resignation was announced, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, Col. Christopher Paris, faced questions from the House Homeland Security Committee regarding the shooting at the rally. Paris revealed that the Secret Service was in charge of operation planning, while the state police were responsible for assisting the motorcade and securing specific areas.

Lawmakers expressed frustration over the agency's lack of transparency, with some accusing the Secret Service of stonewalling their requests for information. The incident has raised concerns about the agency's ability to detect and prevent future security breaches.

The announcement of Cheatle's resignation coincided with calls for improved security protocols within the agency. The next director will be faced with the challenging task of restoring confidence in the Secret Service and implementing comprehensive security enhancements.

Despite the resignation, Cheatle's dedication and commitment to her job were recognized by President Biden, who initially appointed her in August 2022. The president expressed gratitude for her service and highlighted her exceptional leadership skills.

The White House has yet to comment on Cheatle's resignation or announce a successor. The new director will have a crucial role in rebuilding trust and ensuring the safety of high-profile individuals under the agency's protection.