Former US President Donald Trump lauded the courage of a female Secret Service agent who shielded him during a recent assassination attempt, dismissing critics who questioned her effectiveness due to her stature.
Speaking at a rally in St. Cloud, Minnesota, Trump, praised the agent’s bravery during the harrowing assassination attempt on July 13.
“Great bravery was displayed…Every one of them. There wasn’t one that was slow,” Trump emphasized to the crowd. “To my right, there was a woman shielding me. A beautiful person, she was shielding me with everything she could.”
He continued, addressing the backlash she faced, “She was criticized by the fake news because she wasn’t tall enough. She was criticized and she was so brave. She wanted to take a bullet.”
The remarks come in response to online backlash against the female secret service agent, including from tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, questioning the agent’s ability to adequately protect Trump due to her physical stature.
Musk had said, “Having a small person as body cover for a large man is like an undersized Speedo at the beach – doesn’t cover the subject.” He added: “Could be a man or a woman, to be clear, just needs to be large enough to do the job.”
The attempted assassination incident, which occurred at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has sparked scrutiny over Secret Service protocols.
Following the breach that allowed the assailant, Thomas Matthew Crooks, to approach within 135 meters (157 yards) of the stage and target Trump, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, who assumed office in August 2022, resigned amidst pressure.
Speaking at a rally in St. Cloud, Minnesota, Trump, praised the agent’s bravery during the harrowing assassination attempt on July 13.
“Great bravery was displayed…Every one of them. There wasn’t one that was slow,” Trump emphasized to the crowd. “To my right, there was a woman shielding me. A beautiful person, she was shielding me with everything she could.”
He continued, addressing the backlash she faced, “She was criticized by the fake news because she wasn’t tall enough. She was criticized and she was so brave. She wanted to take a bullet.”
The remarks come in response to online backlash against the female secret service agent, including from tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, questioning the agent’s ability to adequately protect Trump due to her physical stature.
Musk had said, “Having a small person as body cover for a large man is like an undersized Speedo at the beach – doesn’t cover the subject.” He added: “Could be a man or a woman, to be clear, just needs to be large enough to do the job.”
The attempted assassination incident, which occurred at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has sparked scrutiny over Secret Service protocols.
Following the breach that allowed the assailant, Thomas Matthew Crooks, to approach within 135 meters (157 yards) of the stage and target Trump, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, who assumed office in August 2022, resigned amidst pressure.