The United States Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, has firmly responded to recent misogynistic attacks on women Secret Service agents. These agents were involved in protecting former President Donald Trump during an attempted assassination at a campaign rally. Mayorkas emphasized the bravery and professionalism of these women, labeling the criticisms as baseless and insulting.
At the rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, former President Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance addressed supporters. The event, held at Van Andel Arena, turned chaotic when a gunman opened fire, resulting in one bystander killed and two others wounded. Secret Service agents, including several women, immediately responded by shielding Trump and ensuring his safe evacuation.
In a statement, Mayorkas praised the “highly skilled and trained” women serving in law enforcement across the country. He highlighted their dedication to risking their lives for the safety and security of others, calling them “brave and selfless patriots who deserve our gratitude and respect.”
Mayorkas reaffirmed the Department of Homeland Security’s commitment to recruiting, retaining, and promoting women within their ranks. He stated, “Our Department will be the better for it, and our country more secure.”
Following the incident, right-wing commentators criticized the Secret Service’s inclusion of women, arguing that diversity hiring practices compromised security. Matt Walsh, a prominent right-wing activist, tweeted, “There should not be any women in the Secret Service. These are supposed to be the very best, and none of the very best at this job are women.”
Others accused diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) hiring practices of endangering lives. The popular Libs of TikTok account posted, “The results of DEI. DEI got someone killed.” These sentiments reflect a broader critique of DEI initiatives, which some Republicans claim discriminate against white men.
Despite the criticisms, the Secret Service has maintained that their agents, regardless of gender, are held to the highest professional standards. A spokesman for the agency reiterated that at no time have these standards been compromised.
The nearly catastrophic attack has placed Kimberly Cheatle, the second-ever woman to direct the Secret Service, under intense scrutiny.
