Ronald Rowe Jr. Appointed Acting Director of Secret Service Following Resignation of Kimberly Cheatle

In a significant leadership change, Ronald Rowe Jr., the deputy director of the U.S. Secret Service, has been appointed as the acting director after Kimberly Cheatle announced her resignation. Cheatle expressed her sorrow in her resignation letter, stating that stepping down was a difficult decision amid recent challenges faced by the agency. Rowe, a seasoned veteran with 24 years of service, has held various leadership roles within the Secret Service. Reflecting on his experiences, Rowe shared a poignant moment from 2013 when members of his detail shaved their heads in solidarity for a colleague's son battling a serious illness. He emphasized the honor of protecting the president and their family, underscoring the deep commitment of Secret Service agents to their mission. Local officials, including Spatara, voiced strong support for Rowe, asserting that he is well-equipped to lead the agency through its current difficulties. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas acknowledged Rowe's willingness to step into this challenging role, highlighting the importance of the agency's ongoing investigations and cooperation with Congressional oversight. Mayorkas praised the Secret Service as the "greatest protective service in the world," emphasizing the gravity of its mission. President Biden also reiterated the necessity of ensuring that the events of July 13 do not recur, reinforcing the agency's critical role in national security.