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Many conservatives took to social media on Sunday, highlighting videos and photos where the female agents appeared slow to react during the shooting incident in Butler, Pennsylvania.Some images suggested that the female agents, being shorter in stature, struggled to adequately shield the 6-foot-3 Trump once he stood up. Additionally, as Trump was being escorted to his vehicle, social media users attacking a Secret Service agent who was seen re-holstering her fire-arm.
Meghan McCain wrote on X: “This is why the notion that men and women are the same is just absurd. You need to be taller than the candidate to protect them with your body. Why do they have these short women (one who can’t holster a gun apparently) guarding Trump? This is embarrassing and dangerous.”
Former UFC fighter Jake Shields wrote: “This is exactly why women should not be police, military or Secret Service Her one job was to jump in front and take a bullet for Trump but instead, she cowered behind him I don’t even blame the girl I blame those who hired her.”
Elon Musk wrote on X: “So before being in charge of protecting the President, she was guarding bags of Cheetos …”
Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee sarcastically commented on social media, “I can’t imagine that a DEI hire from Pepsi would be a bad choice as the head of the Secret Service,” referencing U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle‘s previous role as head of security at PepsiCo before her appointment in 2022. Cheatle had served in the Secret Service for 27 years prior to her tenure at PepsiCo.
The incident has also cast a spotlight on Cheatle’s efforts to promote diversity within the agency. In a previous interview with CBS News, she emphasized the importance of attracting diverse candidates and providing opportunities for everyone, particularly women. The Secret Service aims for 30% of its recruits to be women by 2030.
In response to the security lapses at the rally, Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, Chair of the House Oversight Committee, has scheduled a congressional hearing with Cheatle on July 22.
Who was the shooter?
The FBI has identified the suspected shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Authorities reported that the gunman, positioned on a rooftop over 400 feet away, opened fire on the crowd with a rifle. Secret Service agents quickly neutralized the suspect. Trump, who sustained a graze wound, was treated and released from the hospital late Saturday night. As per a New York Post report, Crooks had a history of poor shooting skills and inappropriate behaviour. He was rejected from his high school rifle team due to his poor aim and off-colour jokes. Former classmates described him as a loner who often wore hunting outfits to class and made concerning comments. The shooting also resulted in the death of rally attendee Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief from Buffalo Township, Pennsylvania, and left two other men in critical condition.
Who is Kimberly Cheatle?
Kimberly Cheatle is the 27th Director of the United States Secret Service, appointed by President Joe Biden and sworn into office on September 17, 2022. She has over 25 years of experience with the Secret Service, where she has held numerous leadership roles. Before her current position, she served as the Senior Director of Global Security at PepsiCo from 2019 to 2022, where she was responsible for implementing security protocols and risk management strategies for the company’s North American facilities.
Cheatle’s career with the Secret Service includes roles such as Assistant Director of the Office of Protective Operations and Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Office. She managed a $133.5 million budget and oversaw multiple operational divisions and the Technical Security Division. Additionally, she has focused on increasing diversity within the agency, aiming for a workforce comprising 30% women by 2030.
Her tenure began amidst challenges, including controversies related to the January 6th Capitol attack. She succeeded James M. Murray and is the second woman to lead the Secret Service, following Julia Pierson, who was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2013.
The fallout from this event has significant implications for the upcoming U.S. elections. It has intensified the scrutiny on the Secret Service’s readiness and operational protocols, potentially impacting public confidence in the agency’s ability to protect high-profile political figures. Furthermore, the incident may influence voter perceptions of security and stability within the political climate, which could play a crucial role in the election dynamics.
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