Secret Service Director Faces Pressure to Resign After Trump Assassination Attempt

A former FBI special agent condemns the Secret Service's handling of the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, accusing the director of prioritizing "woke" ideologies over security. The Secret Service faces criticism for skipping a press conference after the deadly shooting and for not making changes to the security plan for the upcoming Republican National Convention. Director Kimberly Cheatle's leadership is questioned amid calls for her resignation.

In the wake of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, the director of the Secret Service is facing mounting pressure to resign. A former FBI special agent has slammed the agency's response, calling it "unacceptable" and accusing the director of failing to adequately protect the former president.

Nicole Parker, a Fox News contributor and former FBI special agent, criticized Director Kimberly Cheatle for her handling of the attack on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. Parker questioned why Cheatle or any representative from the Secret Service was not present at the initial press conference following the shooting.

Secret Service Director Faces Pressure to Resign After Trump Assassination Attempt

"If it is not important enough for her to show her face in light of a… potential assassination. If there is a time for her to come forward, it is now, and it's just radio silence. It's unacceptable," Parker said.

Cheatle released a statement on Monday expressing condolences to the victim and those injured during the attack. She stated that Secret Service personnel quickly neutralized the shooter and implemented protective measures for Trump. However, the agency's decision to skip a press conference Saturday night after the shooting drew sharp criticism.

Secret Service Director Faces Pressure to Resign After Trump Assassination Attempt

It was not until Sunday that the Secret Service held a press briefing, where reporters questioned the agency about changes to the security plan for the Republican National Convention. Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, the 2024 RNC security coordinator for the Secret Service, stated that there have been no changes to the current operational security plans.

Cheatle also expressed confidence in the security plan for the RNC, which she said was strengthened following the weekend attack. However, critics argue that the agency has prioritized "woke" ideologies over security.

Secret Service Director Faces Pressure to Resign After Trump Assassination Attempt

Parker accused Cheatle of focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives instead of hiring the best candidates for the agency. She pointed to Cheatle's goal of increasing the percentage of female staff at the Secret Service by 2030.

"Maria, why should that matter? We should be focused on protecting. That is the job of the Secret Service. Anything else is a distraction," Parker said.

Secret Service Director Faces Pressure to Resign After Trump Assassination Attempt

Parker condemned the attack on Trump as "inexcusable" and a "failure" of the Secret Service. She questioned how a 20-year-old suspect could disrupt the political process and ignite a firestorm, raising concerns about the agency's ability to counter potential threats from adversaries.

The Secret Service has faced further scrutiny for its handling of security threats against Trump. Congressman Mike Turner (R-OH) alleged that the Biden administration denied "repeated requests" for more Secret Service protection for Trump.

Cheatle's leadership of the Secret Service has come under increasing scrutiny, with many calling for her resignation. Her appointment by President Biden in 2022 made her the second woman in history to lead the agency.

The Secret Service's mission is to "protect and investigate" by leading a diverse workforce. However, critics argue that Cheatle has prioritized diversity and inclusion initiatives over the agency's primary mission of protecting the president and other high-profile individuals.