Mike Johnson is 'happy to see' USSS Chief Kimberly Cheatle resign, says it 'should have happened sooner'

WASHINGTON, DC: Speaker Mike Johnson voiced his support on Tuesday, July 23, for the resignation of Kimberly Cheatle, the director of the US Secret Service, which followed the attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump.

The House Speaker maintained that it was long overdue for Cheatle to leave and underlined the importance of accountability inside the organization, Fox News reported.

“I'm happy to see that she has heeded the call of both Republicans and Democrats,” Johnson said Tuesday. “Now we have to pick up the pieces. We have to rebuild the American people's faith and trust in the secret services and agency.”

Mike Johnson says 'accountability begins at the top' after Kimberly Cheatle's resignation

Mike Johnson told reporters that the resignation "should have happened sooner" and declared that the House will proceed with its bipartisan investigation into the security lapses that resulted in Donald Trump's shooting.

The speaker further remarked, "Accountability begins at the top — I told her that in the library yesterday morning before she went out for that hearing, and I said it's not personal but there must be accountability," Axios reported.

"Whomever is appointed to replace her, I hope will be you know, very sober minded about those responsibilities, and that they will look to improve the processes so that the people can have faith in that agency," he added.

Mike Johnson takes shot at Joe Biden

The Louisiana Republican also suggested that President Joe Biden shares some responsibility for the agency's failures, stating, "We don't need to see inept leaders at the top of these agencies right now; we need to see competence, and ultimately, the buck stops in the Oval Office."

Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announces formation of bipartisan task force

A bipartisan task force to look into the assassination attempt was formally announced by Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) on Tuesday, July 23.

Leaders from both parties expressed serious concerns about the security lapses and stated that they want an expeditious, impartial investigation into the situation.

A bill creating the panel, which will have the authority to issue subpoenas and be composed of seven Republicans and six Democrats, is anticipated to be put to a vote in the House.

Internet says 'more heads need to roll' after Kimberly Cheatle's resignation

Netizens reacted to Mike Johnson's remarks on Kimberly Cheatle after she gave her resignation to everyone's surprise.

The USSS director accepted that she failed to provide proper security to Trump, but refused to give up her position as she claimed at the time that she was the best person out there to lead her team. 

One X user tweeted, "Criminal investigations to start. Cheatle was just the fall guy. More heads need to roll."

"You should still be going after her for charges. Her negligence almost ended up with a President Killed!" one user suggested Johnson.

"I think she resigned because of the testimony about encrypted communication on a private device. They want you to forget she said that out loud," opined one.

Another remarked, "Charges need to be filed against Cheatle and everyone involved in the negligence. For God’s sake, this is the Republican candidate and it is a president of the United States. FFS!! she belong in prison."

"Cheatle and others need to go to Jail. We expect a non-stop investigation. IF it stops, then we know there are serious issues," wrote someone else.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.