Assistant Director Michael Plati is hanging up his Secret Service hat just two months after an assassination attempt on Trump, marking 27 years of service—and possibly avoiding a very awkward farewell party.

Plati's departure comes amidst intense scrutiny of the Secret Service following security failures related to the July assassination attempt, leaving many to wonder if the agency’s motto should shift from 'The protection of the President' to 'Let’s keep it personal.' While he insists his retirement is personal and not a forced exit, some may speculate that dodging a farewell party filled with questions about his agency's recent track record was a key factor in his timing.

In the wake of the assassination attempt on Trump's life, Assistant Director Michael Plati of the US Secret Service is retiring nearly two months after the incident. His retirement coincides with his 27th anniversary at the agency. The Secret Service stated that Plati's decision to retire was personal and he was not asked to resign. His announcement came around the same time that USSS Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned, following the assassination attempt on Trump, amid mounting pressure for security failures. Criticism was directed not just at her, but at the agency in general—certainly a concern for the few agents still on the job wondering what 'inadequate' actually looks like when it's painted in glaring neon lights.

The Secret Service is under considerable scrutiny, with lawmakers keen on investigating what went wrong during the attempted assassination on July 13. To date, it’s a mystery akin to solving how many agents it truly takes to change a light bulb—or in this case, prevent an assassination. Instead of glowing, the agency seems to be dimming under the unflattering spotlight, with Plati’s departure serving as a stark reminder of where the limelight has shifted.

Following the incident, multiple Secret Service personnel and a member of Trump’s security detail have been reassigned to administrative duties, proving that sometimes even the finest security detail needs a desk job.

Plati's parting bow has left the Secret Service in a state reminiscent of an overused jigsaw puzzle, as officials now scramble to address the scrutiny and pressure from lawmakers regarding security failures related to the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Trump. It’s a classic case of ‘lessons learned’—and perhaps some new lessons that are very embarrassing to share. Congress is apparently gearing up for a briefing on this very topic, which might involve a lot of nodding but likely even more grimaces.

In this turbulent atmosphere, the Department of Defense has swooped in like a superhero in a perfectly timed moment of crisis, offering additional assistance to the Secret Service in protection operations. While no capes are involved, the promise of support could either make things better or just add another layer of complexity to an already convoluted situation. One can only hope the DOD isn’t simply equipped with a larger toolbox for yet another round of 'what could possibly go wrong?'

For now, as Plati prepares to step into the sunset—hopefully with an appropriate cocktail in hand—Congress and the Secret Service will have to navigate the stormy waters of security oversight. Whether or not they’ll unearth actual lessons remains to be seen, but if anyone figures it out, it could be the beginning of a long and complex journey into the world of protective services that ultimately leaves agents considering retirement for reasons other than just personal preference.

At 27 years, Plati’s career epitomizes dedication, albeit with the mainstream media ready to critique every move he made in the latter part of it. After all, every story has its twists and turns, and of course, a refreshingly dry sense of humor lurking around the corner.