Former FBI Special Agent Kenneth Gray links 'diversity' hiring to security failures at Trump rally

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BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA: A former FBI agent has suggested that the efforts to increase diversity in the US Secret Service (USSS) might have contributed to the security lapses at a rally for former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, where an assassination attempt took place.

Kenneth Gray, an ex-FBI special agent experienced in counterterrorism and crisis management, voiced concerns over the security breaches on Saturday, July 13.

Security lapses and criticisms surrounding diversity initiatives in the US Secret Service

Kenneth Gray criticized the Secret Service's handling of the event. "The Secret Service really screwed up in their planning for this outdoor event," he told the Daily Mail.

"It's possible to have a tough female out there who is doing her job, just like you have males out there who may not be capable of doing their jobs. It's just that, during this particular event, there were questionable actions on the part of some agents, including some female agents, that raises one's eyebrows," Gray said.

On social media, allegations emerged that the female agents at the rally were too short to adequately protect Trump, who stands at 6 feet 3 inches tall. Videos showed a female agent struggling to holster her firearm, further fueling the controversy.

The rally incident has raised concerns about Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle's initiative to diversify the predominantly male force by targeting 30% female recruits by 2030. Critics argue that this initiative may have undermined the effectiveness of the security detail.

Gray acknowledged that capable female agents exist, stating, "It's possible to have a tough female out there who is doing her job, just like you have males out there who may not be capable of doing their jobs." However, he emphasized that specific actions by some agents, including females, during the rally raised concerns about their capability to protect the former president.

Secret Service criticized for security lapses at Trump rally amid diversity efforts controversy

During the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania—a crucial state for the upcoming November 5 election—Donald Trump was grazed by a bullet that struck his right ear, causing his face to bleed. The attack left one person dead and two others wounded before USSS agents neutralized the shooter, a 20-year-old man armed with an AR-15-style rifle.

Gray pointed out that the rooftop from which the shots were fired should have been secured, highlighting a significant lapse in planning.

Gray described a 5-foot-5-inch female agent who attempted to shield Trump from further gunfire but noted her height was insufficient to protect someone as tall as Trump. "It looked more like he was protecting her than she was protecting him," he commented.

Footage of another female agent struggling with her firearm after Trump was rushed into a vehicle also drew Gray's criticism. "It certainly was something that raised my eyebrows," he said. "I am a former firearms instructor … and that shows to me that person lacked the skills to be out there at that time."

Gray criticized the overall response of the Secret Service team, which included both male and female agents, for taking too long to get Trump off the stage and out of danger. He attributed part of the delay to Trump himself, who wanted to retrieve his shoes and pose defiantly while the crowd chanted "USA, USA."

Congressional investigation launched into Secret Service security breaches

The attempted assassination has sparked a flurry of claims and concerns, reflecting the heightened political tensions in the US. The US Congress has launched an investigation into the "inexcusable security breaches" at Trump's rally and the role of the USSS.

Some Republicans have blamed the agency's focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies for the security lapses. Congressman Tim Burchett called Cheatle a "diversity hire" and attributed the security failings to the push for more female recruits, leading to calls for her resignation.

In response to the incident, the Republican-led US House of Representatives Oversight Committee has called upon Cheatle to testify at a hearing on July 22.

Appointed by President Joe Biden in 2022, Cheatle has affirmed that the agency will "participate fully" in the independent review of the incident.

Meanwhile, the Secret Service has not commented on the role of female agents in security failures.

White House defends inclusion of women in Secret Service

White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre defended the inclusion of women in the Secret Service, calling it "ridiculous" to question their viability as agents.

"These men and women put their lives on the line," she said. "We should not discount that, whether it's a man or a woman."

The agency refuted claims from Trump supporters that it had denied requests for additional security, stating that it had recently "enhanced protective resources and capabilities" for Trump's security detail.

The rally attendee killed during the attack was identified as Corey Comperatore, 50, of Sarver, Pennsylvania. He died while trying to protect his family from the gunfire. Two other individuals, David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74, were injured but are in stable condition.

The FBI identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, and is investigating the incident as an attempted assassination. Crooks, a registered Republican with no identified ideology or mental health issues, had legally obtained the firearm used in the attack.