Secret Service DEI policies under scrutiny after Trump assassination attempt.

An investigation into the Secret Service's Diversity Equity and inclusion (DEI) policies has been launched by a non-profit group following the attempted assassination of former President Trump last month.

The Mountain States Legal Foundation (MLSF), a Colorado-based organization, is investigating the impact of the controversial policy on the security at Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. During the event, Thomas Matthew Crooks scaled the roof of a nearby building and fired off eight shots, one of which grazed the right ear of the former commander-in-chief. Corey Comperatore was fatally struck, while two others were also hit and suffered serious injuries. The incident could have resulted in a political crisis.

The MLSF investigation is exploring the effects of DEI on the elite agency's hiring, retention, and promotion. Critics argue that the policy favors candidates based on their sex or ethnicity, potentially leading to less qualified individuals being hired and lowering overall standards.

Some female agents who came to Trump's aid during the gunfire faced criticism online. One agent was criticized for not being tall enough to shield Trump's large body, as his Fulton County Jail booking lists him at 6 feet, 3 inches tall and weighing 215 pounds. Another agent was criticized after video showed she struggled to place her gun in its holster.

The non-profit is looking for information from Secret Service agents, including current and former ones, as well as applicants who believe they were unfairly treated due to their gender.

The MSLF intends to sue the Secret Service for alleged discriminatory and hazardous civil rights infractions, stating that there is substantial evidence to support the misconduct.

A legal challenge will ensure that only the most qualified individuals are hired, retained, and promoted, as MSLF holds USSS accountable for its reckless and unlawful employment practices.

The Secret Service does not comment on litigation matters, as stated by a spokesperson to Planet Chronicle Digital.

The July 13 rally's security was mishandled by the agency, with some critics accusing DEI of contributing to the shooting.

""If a woman is doing a job like this, it means that a more qualified male was passed over," conservative political commentator Matt Walsh posted on X the morning after the assassination attempt."

Trump praised female agents after backlash.

"At the rally in St. Cloud, Minnesota, two weeks ago, a woman on my right was shielding me. She was a beautiful person who did everything she could to protect me. However, she was criticized by the fake news because she wasn't tall enough."

After the assassination attempt, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle was accused of prioritizing "woke" ideologies rooted in DEI over solely focusing on hiring the best for the agency.

The Secret Service's female workforce has increased to 24.7% as of 2023, according to a recruitment brochure.

The assassination attempt brought attention to Cheatle's past remarks regarding prioritizing DEI, as stated by Cristen Wohlgemuth, the president and CEO of MSLF.

"The Secret Service's DEI culture has been allowed to fester by Biden-Harris appointees, according to Wohlgemuth, who spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital. The culture may have played a role in the security breach at the Pennsylvania rally. DEI hiring policies are illegal and dangerous, and must be challenged at every turn."

"DEI hiring policies are both illegal and dangerous, and must be challenged at every turn."

In 2023, the Secret Service's DEI director, Loucious Hires, emphasized the importance of advancing the policy within the agency, referring to it as a "mission imperative." The agency aimed to set the standard for DEI in a recruitment brochure that same year.

The director of the Secret Service emphasized the importance of DEI in every action taken by the organization, stating that it strengthens the Secret Service. Every employee should reflect on how their actions contribute to equity.

It is crucial that only the most exceptional individuals wear the Secret Service badge, according to Wohlgemuth.

In a statement, Wohlgemuth stated that U.S. Secret Service agents are the epitome of American law enforcement, devoting their entire lives to safeguarding protectees, critical locations, and significant events.

"If you are a current or former agent, or an applicant, who believes the agency has compromised its mission for the sake of DEI, we urge you to contact us. When the safety of the leader of the free world is at stake, only merit should matter—nothing else."

Planet Chronicle' Sarah Rumpf-Whitten contributed to this report.