ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION)<br/> <br />STORY: U.S. Secret Service Director Julia Pierson resigned under fire on Wednesday after a series of security lapses came to light involving the protection for President Barack Obama.<br/> <br />Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson announced Pierson's resignation and said Joseph Clancy, a veteran of the agency, was named acting director.<br/> <br />White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Obama had called Pierson to express his appreciation to her for her long years of service.<br/> <br />He said Obama had concluded that new leadership was needed at the agency after a number of security lapses, including a White House fence-jumper who managed to enter the front door of the mansion on Sept. 19 and get into the ceremonial East Room before off-duty agents stopped him.
