In the aftermath of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle is facing backlash and calls to resign. The response from the Secret Service has been widely criticized, with many labeling it as "unacceptable."

Nicole Parker, a Fox News contributor and former FBI special agent, condemned Cheatle for her handling of the attack in Butler, Pennsylvania. Parker questioned the absence of any representative from the Secret Service during the initial press conference and criticized Cheatle for taking too long to address the incident.

Parker expressed her frustration, stating, "If it is not important enough for her to show her face in light of a potential assassination, it is just radio silence. It's unacceptable." She emphasized the need for immediate and transparent communication in such critical situations.

Cheatle released a statement expressing condolences to the family and friends of Corey Comperatore, who was killed during the attack, as well as those injured. Cheatle highlighted the quick response from Secret Service personnel on the ground, including their counter-sniper team neutralizing the shooter and implementing protective measures for Trump's safety.

However, the Secret Service faced criticism for skipping a press conference immediately after the shooting, which was attended by local officials and FBI personnel. It wasn't until the following day that a press briefing was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in preparation for the Republican National Convention.

During the briefing, a reporter questioned whether any changes had been made to the security plan following the incident. Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, the 2024 RNC security coordinator for the Secret Service, stated that there had been no changes to the current operational security plans. Cheatle also expressed confidence in the strengthened RNC security plan, which was designed to be flexible and adapt to evolving circumstances.

Despite the defense of the security plan, Cheatle is facing mounting calls to step down. She was appointed by President Biden in 2022, becoming only the second woman in history to lead the agency. Critics have accused Cheatle of prioritizing "woke" ideologies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) over focusing on hiring the best personnel for the agency.

Parker echoed these concerns, questioning the relevance of such diversity initiatives to the core mission of protecting the nation. She emphasized the need to prioritize security and called the attack on Trump "inexcusable" and a failure that was both mind-boggling and terrifying for the country.

The Secret Service now faces the challenge of regaining public trust and reassessing its security protocols in the wake of this incident. The safety of politicians and the integrity of the political process hang in the balance, highlighting the critical importance of a robust and efficient security apparatus.