Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) suggested that racial bias may have influenced the Secret Service's initial assessment of Thomas Crooks, who attempted to assassinate former President Trump. Crockett inquired about bias training for agents, alleging a disparity in threat perception based on race.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat from Texas, raised concerns during a House Oversight Committee hearing on Monday about potential racial bias in the Secret Service's handling of the Thomas Crooks incident. Crooks, a young White male, shot at former President Trump at a rally in Ohio, injuring three attendees.
Crockett questioned Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle on whether agents receive bias training, implying that law enforcement officers may have a tendency to perceive non-White individuals as more threatening. She cited her experience as a civil rights lawyer, stating that law enforcement often fails to perceive threats from young White males, even when they are armed.
Rep. Crockett Questions Secret Service on Racial Bias in Shooter Assessment
Cheatle responded affirmatively when asked if bias training is included in agent training. However, she did not elaborate on the specifics of the training or address Crockett's assertion regarding racial profiling.
On January 24, 2023, Thomas Crooks approached a campaign rally for former President Trump in Dayton, Ohio, and fired several shots. One attendee was killed, and two others were critically injured. Crooks was apprehended by Secret Service agents after a brief pursuit.
Rep. Crockett Questions Secret Service on Racial Bias in Shooter Assessment
Crockett's suggestion of racial bias stems from the fact that Crooks is a young White male, a demographic that she believes is often not perceived as a threat by law enforcement. She argues that this lack of perceived threat may have contributed to the Secret Service's initial slow response in assessing Crooks as a dangerous suspect.
The Secret Service has been criticized in recent years for its focus on diversity and inclusion initiatives, which some critics have claimed prioritize "woke" ideologies over the traditional mission of protecting high-ranking government officials. Director Cheatle has been at the center of this debate, as she has been vocal about her commitment to diversity and inclusion within the agency.
Rep. Crockett Questions Secret Service on Racial Bias in Shooter Assessment
Cheatle's critics argue that the Secret Service should prioritize hiring the most qualified candidates regardless of race or gender. They contend that the focus on diversity may compromise the agency's ability to provide effective protection.
Following the Crooks incident, there have been growing calls from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers for Cheatle to resign. The critics cite the attack as evidence that the Secret Service is not adequately fulfilling its mission under her leadership.
Cheatle has resisted these calls, stating that she will not step down. She has defended her focus on diversity and inclusion, arguing that it strengthens the agency by ensuring that it reflects the population it serves.
The Secret Service and Cheatle face an ongoing investigation into the Crooks incident, which will likely shed more light on the agency's handling of the situation and the issue of potential racial bias.
