Top Security Officer Defending women Following the assassination attempt on former President Trump, US Secret Service officials said in a statement on Saturday:
“In the days following the assassination attempt on former President Trump, some have made public statements questioning the presence of women in law enforcement, including the U.S. Secret Service,” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and other U.S. national security officials said in a statement.
“These allegations are baseless and offensive,” the statement continued.
The Secret Service has faced increased scrutiny following last weekend’s assassination attempt on President Trump, with some questioning how a gunman was able to get onto a rooftop in clear view of the former president.
“Every day, in communities large and small across this great nation, women serve in federal, state, local, tribal, territorial and university law enforcement agencies,” the statement said. “They are highly trained and accomplished professionals who risk their lives on the front lines for the safety and security of others. They are brave and selfless patriots who deserve our gratitude and respect.”
“As the federal government’s largest law enforcement agency, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will continue to recruit, retain and advance women in law enforcement with great pride, focus and dedication to the mission — making our department better and our nation safer,” the statement continued.
One of the people behind Saturday’s statement, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, has herself faced intense scrutiny in the wake of the shooting. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) called on her to resign on Wednesday.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) also called Wednesday for the appointment of new leadership for the Secret Service.
“Last week’s near assassination attempt on former President Trump was a grave attack on American democracy,” McConnell said in a post on social platform X. “The public deserves accountability and accountability, and new leadership at the Secret Service will be an important step in that direction.”
