Secret Service warns against outdoor Trump rallies; Kimberly Cheatle resigns

The Secret Service has issued a strong warning to Donald Trump’s advisors over his future campaign plans, following the assassination attempt on his life.

The US Secret Service has recommended Donald Trump and his campaign cease holding rallies outdoors following the assassination attempt made against the former president.

After the shooting at the Butler rally earlier this month, Secret Service officials have shared concerns with the Trump campaign advisers and encouraged them to stop large-scale outdoor events where he would attend, reports the Washington Post.

The warning has prompted Trump campaign advisors to look at indoor venues for future rallies.

Former US President Donald Trump is rushed off the after the shooting. Photo: EPA

The next two events are expected to be held at arenas in Charlotte, North Carolina, and St. Cloud, Minneapolis.

Some rallies since the July 13 event where Trump was shot, and one attendee was killed, have been held indoors, however the two immediately after were outdoors, including one at his golf course in Florida.

Large outdoor rallies have been commonplace for Trump since launching his latest presidential campaign, and in his previous run for office.

SECRET SERVICE BOSS RESIGNS AFTER TRUMP SHOOTING

Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle has stepped down and taken “full responsibility” for the stunning security failure that lead to an assassination attempt on a former US president.

Ms Cheatle has been under intense pressure ever since former president Donald Trump was shot in the ear at a rally in Pennsylvania earlier this month.

United States Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee. Picture: Getty Images.

Trump supporters and Democrats alike have been calling for her resignation with the demands growing louder as Ms Cheatle fronted a House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing on Monday, local time.

Although she initially refused to voluntarily relinquish her post, Ms Cheatle succumbed to the pressure on Tuesday, breaking the news in a letter to her officers.

Trump took the opportunity of Ms Cheatle’s resignation to comment about the security failure on his Truth Social account.

Ms Cheatle, pictured here giving evidence at the House Committee hearing, has been under intense pressure. Photo: Getty Images.

“The Biden/Harris Administration did not properly protect me, and I was forced to take a bullet for Democracy. IT WAS MY GREAT HONOUR TO DO SO!” Trump wrote.

Ms Cheatle apologised for the events of the July 13 rally in a letter addressed “to the Men and Women of the US Secret Service”.

President Joe Biden thanked Ms Cheatle for her service to the nation and to his family.

“As a leader, it takes honour, courage, and incredible integrity to take full responsibility for an organisation tasked with one of the most challenging jobs in public service,” Mr Biden’s statement said.

He added that an “independent review” of the shooting would continue.

“I look forward to assessing its conclusions,” he wrote.

“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.”

In her letter, Ms Cheatle wrote that “the Secret Service’s solemn mission is to protect our nation’s leaders and financial infrastructure”.

“On July 13th, we fell short on that mission,” Ms Cheatle wrote.

“The scrutiny over the last week has been intense and will continue to remain as our operational tempo increases. As your Director, I take full responsibility for the security lapse.

Donald Trump was rushed offstage following the terrifying incident. Photo: AFP.

“However, this incident does not define us. We remain an organisation based on integrity and staffed by individuals of exceptional dedication and talent.”

Ms Cheatle wrote that she did not want to be a “distraction” to the Secret Service as they investigated where things went wrong.

“As I’ve stated, the Secret Service will move forward with our investigatory and protective mission in a steadfast manner,” Ms Cheatle wrote.

“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.

“When I got the call asking if I would return to the Secret Service after my brief retirement, I did not hesitate. I love this agency, our mission, and the great men and women who sacrifice so much every day. I have, 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 as your Director.

“When I assumed the role as your Director, I pledged to do so with honour and integrity.

“These values have guided my entire career for 29 years.”

Trump fronted the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with a bandaged ear. Photo: AFP.

Ms Cheatle highlighted her vast experience including 27 years as a special agent working with former president Bill Clinton, former vice president Dick Cheney and then vice president Joe Biden’s detail during the years of the Barack Obama administration prior to taking the top job.

“As I stated in the hearing yesterday, all of you are worthy of trust and confidence. You deserve the nation’s support in carrying out our critical mission. One of my favourite things about this workforce is that the men and women are fiercely committed to our mission.

“Thank you for all that you do, and will continue to do, for our great nation.”

Trump mocked Ms Cheatle’s rationale for leaving the roof where he shot at by Thomas Matthew Crooks at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania unsecured.

Two FBI investigators scan the roof in the aftermath of the incident. Photo: AFP.

Ms Cheatle had blamed the “slope” of the roof as the reason why a protective sniper was not stationed there.

Mr Trump told Fox News on Monday he had met with Ms Cheatle in the days after the shooting.

“It went very nicely. She was very nice, I thought. But, you know, somebody should have made sure there was nobody on that roof,” he said.

“You have to answer why couldn’t I have stayed off the stage for five minutes while they do their work? Why couldn’t, you know, how does a situation happen where a roof that’s plainly in sight from the location where I was speaking … why would somebody not have seen that?” Trump added.

Originally published as Secret Service warns against outdoor Trump rallies; Kimberly Cheatle resigns