Former U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle sent her resignation letter to employees on Monday.
Read her full letter:
“To the U.S. Secret Service:
The Secret Service’s solemn mission is to protect our nation’s leadership and financial infrastructure.
On July 13th, we failed in that mission. Scrutiny was intense over the last week and will continue to be intense as the pace of operations quickens. As Director, I take full responsibility for security failures.
But this incident does not define us. We remain an organization founded on integrity and staffed with exceptionally dedicated and talented people. As I have said, the Secret Service will remain steadfast in our investigative and protective mission. We do not shy away from challenges. But I do not want my call for you to resign to be a distraction from the great work each and every one of you is doing toward our important mission.
When I received the call asking me if I would like to return to the Secret Service after a brief retirement, I didn’t hesitate. I love this agency, our mission, and the great men and women who sacrifice so much every day. I have always and will always put the needs of this agency first.
In light of recent events, it is with a heavy heart that I have made the difficult decision to step down from my position on the Board.
When I accepted the position of Director, I vowed to perform my duties with honor and integrity, and these values have guided my entire 29-year career.
As many of you know, I served as a Special Agent in Charge for 27 years, providing security for Vice President Clinton’s events, overseeing security for Vice President Cheney, directing the RTC, serving as the SAIC for the Atlanta Office of Special Investigations, overseeing security for Vice President Biden, and finally, as AD-OPO, overseeing the Office’s security operations under the Trump Administration.
As I said at yesterday’s hearing, you deserve our trust and confidence. You deserve the public’s support in carrying out our important mission. One of the things I love about this staff is the men and women who are dedicated to our mission.
Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for our great country.”
