Key security officials advocated that women be at the U.S. Secret Service in a statement Saturday following the attempted assassination of former President Trump.
“In the days following the attempted assassination of former President Trump, some people made public statements questioning the presence of women in law enforcement, including in the United States Secret Service,” reads the statement from the Secretary of Homeland Security , Alejandro Mayorkas, along with other US representatives. security officials.
“These claims are baseless and insulting,” the statement continued.
The Secret Service has faced increased scrutiny following the assassination attempt on Trump last weekend, with some questioning how the shooter gained access to a rooftop that had a clear line of sight to the former president.
“Every day, in communities large and small across our great country, women serve in federal, state, local, tribal, territorial and campus law enforcement,” the statement said. “These are highly trained and qualified professionals, who risk their lives on the front lines for the safety and protection of other people. They are courageous and selfless patriots who deserve our gratitude and respect.”
“We at the United States Department of Homeland Security – the federal government’s largest law enforcement organization – will continue, with great pride, focus and devotion to mission, to recruit, retain and elevate women in our law enforcement ranks. Our Department will be better for it and our country will be safer,” the statement continued.
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, one of the people behind Saturday’s statement, also faced scrutiny following the shooting. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) called on her to resign on Wednesday.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) also called for new leadership at the Secret Service on Wednesday.
“The near assassination of former President Trump last week was a serious attack on American democracy,” McConnell said in a post on the social platform X. “The nation deserves answers and accountability. New leadership at the Secret Service would be an important step in that direction.”
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
