US secret service director resigns after White House breach
Julia Pierson, director of the United States Secret Service (SS), on Wednesday tendered her resignation over issues involving breach of security.
Pierson has come under attacks for lapses in the agency saddled with the task of providing security for US president, Barack Obama.
Series of security lapses have been witnessed since she assumed office in 2103, but the most embarrassing was the invasion of the White House by Omar Gonzalez, a troubled Iraq war veteran, on September 19.
Armed with a knife, Gonzalez had scaled a fence, evaded agents, dashed across the lawn and gained access into the East Room of the residence of the president through an unlocked and unalarmed door.
Jeh Johnson, secretary of Homeland Security, addressed the media on the development, commending Pierson for her services.
“Today Julia Pierson, the director of the United States Secret Service, offered her resignation, and I accepted it,” he said.
“I salute her 30 years of distinguished service to the Secret Service and the nation.”
Joseph Clancy, a former special agent in charge of the presidential protective division of SS, has been chosen to replace her.
Gonzalez pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him in court on Wednesday and the case has been adjourned to October 21.
That is a sane clime where people take responsibility for their actions. Juxtapose Pierson’s action to Abba Moro and Paradang’s, who rather than resign following the NIS tragedy are still sitting pretty on their seats. GEJ even honoured the NIS boss a national award. Big shame.