'Failure' verdict on WHCD Secret Service disputed by Mullin: 'They just don't understand security'

WASHINGTON, DC: Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, on Friday, May 1, pushed back hard against criticism of the Secret Service following the White House Correspondents’ dinner shooting, arguing agents responded exactly as trained.

As questions swirl over how the suspect got close to the venue, Mullin, while speaking to Fox News emphasized the effectiveness of layered security, highlighting the incident not as a failure but as proof the system ultimately worked under extreme pressure.

Markwayne Mullin claims 'agents did their jobs'

Mullin offered an emphatic defense of the United States Secret Service, repeatedly stressing that agents performed as expected despite the intensity of the situation.

“Secret Service is out there every single day doing their job, and they did their job,” he said, pushing back on claims of failure.

He pointed directly to the structure of the security setup, adding, “The security perimeter worked exactly like it was supposed to work. But that’s why we have layers of security built in.”

Acknowledging that the outer line was compromised, Mullin clarified where the system held: “The first layer was breached, the perp never penetrated the second one.”

He argued that distinction is critical in evaluating the response, insisting the deeper defenses functioned as intended even under attack.

Markwayne Mullin lauds agents' performance

Mullin went further, praising agents for how they handled the confrontation in real time.

“And so the Secret Service, even though they were shut down, still performed their job and did it in a remarkable and brave way,” he said.

He also addressed the toll such incidents take, noting, “The morale throughout DHS when they’re caught up in a fight like this, it takes a toll,” while emphasizing continued commitment across agencies.

At the same time, Mullin acknowledged there is always room for refinement.

“Is there lessons that can be learned? Every time a situation like this happens, we have an opportunity to improve,” he said.

But he drew a firm line against harsher criticism saying “For people to say that the Secret Service failed, that’s criticism that they just don’t even understand the way security works because they performed remarkably.”

Authorities say the suspect, Cole Allen, approached a checkpoint at the Washington Hilton armed with multiple weapons before being stopped by agents.

A Secret Service officer was shot at close range but survived due to body armor, and the suspect was quickly subdued.

High-profile attendees, including President Donald Trump, were evacuated as security teams secured the area.

For now, Allen continues to remain in prison as further probe continues.