BUTLER, Pa. – Ronald Rowe Jr., the deputy director of the U.S. Secret Service, has been named the acting director of the agency following the resignation of Kimberly Cheatle.
Rowe is scheduled to testify on Tuesday, just a week after Cheatle’s testimony, which ultimately resulted in her resignation.
Rowe has taken the lead at the Secret Service amid rising concerns from lawmakers and the public following the assassination attempt on former President Trump.
As acting director, Rowe has immediately become involved in the House Oversight Committee’s investigation into the agency’s missteps that nearly allowed 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks to assassinate Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, July 13.
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Ronald Rowe, acting director of the U.S. Secret Service, leaves the U.S. Capitol after a briefing with senators on Thursday, July 25, 2024. The former director, Kimberly Cheatle, resigned on Tuesday. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Cheatle announced her resignation in response to bipartisan calls for her to resign following a heated hearing with the House Oversight Committee on July 22.
“I accept full responsibility for the security failure. Given the recent events, it is with a heavy heart that I have made the hard choice to step down as your director,” she stated in her resignation letter.
Rowe is now tasked with overseeing more than 7,800 special agents, uniformed division officers, technical law enforcement personnel, as well as administrative and technical staff.
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Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee on July 22, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
With 24 years of service in the Secret Service, Rowe has held various leadership roles within the agency.
Prior to his time with the Secret Service, Rowe served with the West Palm Beach Police Department in Florida.
West Palm Beach Assistant Police Chief Tony Spatara praised Rowe to CBS 12, describing him as “very intelligent” and “well-rounded.”
“Having known him personally, I take great pride in his success and achievements within the Secret Service,” Spatara stated. “Ron is a highly intelligent individual with a wealth of experience.”
Spatara also expressed confidence in Rowe’s ability to lead the agency, stating that selecting him was the right choice.
“He is the perfect candidate for this position. I genuinely believe they made the right decision in choosing him,” he remarked. “I do not know anyone in this country better suited to face the challenges that lie ahead.”
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas extended his gratitude to Ronald Rowe Jr. for stepping in as acting director following Kimberly Cheatle’s resignation.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas expressed gratitude towards Rowe for taking on this role during a “particularly challenging time” in the agency’s history.
“I appreciate his readiness to guide the Secret Service at this crucial moment as the agency seeks to uncover the truth about the events of July 13 and cooperate with ongoing investigations and Congressional oversight,” Mayorkas stated.
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“The Secret Service is internationally recognized as the premier protective service, handling one of the most challenging and solemn missions in government,” he continued. “I have complete confidence in Deputy Director Rowe and the dedicated members of the Secret Service who risk their lives daily and deserve our utmost support.”
Former President Trump is hurried offstage after being shot during a rally on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
President Biden is now tasked with selecting the next Secret Service director and has indicated that he intends to make his decision “soon.”
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“The independent investigation into the events of July 13 is ongoing, and I am eager to review its findings. We must ensure that what occurred that day is never repeated,” Biden stated. “As we progress, I wish Kim the best and plan to appoint a new director shortly.”
