Former President Trump criticized former Secret Service Director Kimberley Cheatle on Tuesday after she announced her resignation, urging changes at the security agency.
Cheatle resigned Tuesday following scrutiny of her agency after a would-be-assassin nearly shot and killed former President Trump last week. A bullet grazed his ear and he was mostly unharmed. An attendee at his Pennsylvania rally was killed and two others injured.
“She never gave me proper protection, so I ended up having to take a bullet for democracy,” Trump told Fox News Digital.
“Many requests were made by on-site Secret Service for more people, always with a turn down or no response,” he continued. “I have the biggest crowds in history, and they should be treated accordingly.”
Members of Congress grilled Cheatle on Monday for her agency’s security preparations and reaction to the shooting. A gunman was able to set up on a rooftop only about 150 yards from Trump.
“I take full responsibility for the security lapse,” she said in an email to staff Tuesday that was obtained by The Associated Press. “In light of recent events, it is with a heavy heart that I have made the difficult decision to step down as your director.”
Members of Congress from both parties had demanded Cheatle resign amid the criticism. A bipartisan House task force will continue to investigate the agency and the assassination attempt.
“She should have resigned at least a week ago. I’m happy to see that. I’m happy to see that she has heeded the call of both Republicans and Democrats,” Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Tuesday.
“Now we have to pick up the pieces … We’ve got a lot of work to do. The task force that we’ll be putting together is going to be very important,” he added.