Top security officials defend women in Secret Service

Top security officials defended women being in the U.S. Secret Service in a Saturday statement following the assassination attempt on former President Trump.

“In the days following the attempted assassination of former President Trump, some people have made public statements questioning the presence of women in law enforcement, including in the United States Secret Service,” reads the statement from Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, alongside other U.S. security officials.

“These assertions are baseless and insulting,” the statement continued. 

The Secret Service has faced increased scrutiny in the wake of the assassination attempt against Trump last weekend, with some questioning how the gunman had access to a roof that had a clear line of sight to the former president.

“Every single day, in communities big and small across our great country, women are serving in federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and campus law enforcement,” the statement said. “They are highly trained and skilled 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.”

“We in the United States Department of Homeland Security — the largest law enforcement organization in the federal government — will, with great pride, focus, and devotion to mission, continue to recruit, retain, and elevate women in our law enforcement ranks. Our Department will be the better for it, and our country more secure," the statement continued.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, one of the people behind Saturday’s statement, has faced scrutiny herself in the wake of the shooting. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) called on her to resign Wednesday.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) also called for new leadership at the Secret Service Wednesday.

“Last week’s near-assassination of former President Trump was a grave attack on American democracy,” McConnell said in a post on social platform X. “The nation deserves answers and accountability. New leadership at the Secret Service would be an important step in that direction.”