Image by Gage Skidmore
Summarised by Centrist
In the aftermath of the failed July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and senior DHS officials issued a strong defence of female Secret Service agents.
This response came after some critics questioned the effectiveness of the Secret Service’s DEI policies, attributing the security breach to the presence of female agents.
In a joint statement, Mayorkas and senior officials condemned assertions questioning women’s roles in law enforcement as “baseless and insulting.”
The incident has intensified scrutiny on the Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle’s diversity initiatives, with critics claiming DEI policies have undermined the agency’s mission.
During the incident, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks managed to position himself with a clear shot at Trump, his bullet grazing the former president’s ear.
Critics, including Rep Lauren Boebert, have linked the security lapse to DEI policies and introduced a bill to cut funding for Cheatle.
In response, Secret Service Chief of Communication Anthony Guglielmi reiterated that all agents are highly trained and capable, emphasising that gender does not determine qualification.
The DHS statement highlighted the essential contributions of women in law enforcement, asserting their professionalism and dedication.
Former President Trump praised the agents’ response, and his son, Eric Trump, specifically commended the female agents’ capabilities.
The attack also resulted in two critical injuries and one fatality.
