Following the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump (R), the Dallas Police Department received a complaint after one of its officers allegedly left a comment saying, “Aim better,” referring to the shots fired. The officer in question, Sergeant Arturo Martinez was placed on administrative leave by DPD.
On Saturday a gunman shot and nearly killed the former president at his campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. President Trump’s right ear was pierced by a bullet, millimeters from an even more catastrophic event. Sadly, an audience member was killed, and two spectators were critically injured. Secret Service killed the gunman.
DPD Police Chief Eddie Garcia released a statement concerning Sergeant Martinez’s social media post.
"When I received the notification regarding the comment posted, disappointed would be an understatement. If in fact true, the comment made has no place in our society, and certainly has no place in law enforcement," said DPD Chief Garcia. "I was appalled at what transpired on Saturday in Pennsylvania. The violence was unacceptable, and has no place in our country. We are grateful former President Trump was not seriously injured. Our hearts are with those injured on Saturday and with the family and friends of Corey Comperatore, who tragically lost his life."
Sergeant Garcia will be placed on administrative leave until an internal affairs investigation is conducted, per NBC-DFW (Dallas).
The attempted assassination has brought the Secret Service's capabilities and bandwidth into question, but it also brought to light a recently filed legislative measure that specifically called for the removal of President Trump's presidential security detail. This bill is known as the Denying Infinite Security and Government Resources Allocated toward Convicted and Extremely Dishonorable (DISGRACED) Former Protectees Act.
In April, Florida Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (D-FL), Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), and eight other House Democrats sponsored and co-sponsored the measure. In short, the main intention of the bill is to strip the Secret Service away from former President Trump should he serve prison time. For those who don’t know, violence regularly occurs in prisons despite the presence of correctional officers, including death.
The DISGRACED Act was brought to the House floor in April. No action has been taken on it since.
The Floridian asked Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) for his thoughts concerning the bill following the attempted assassination of President Trump. He stated, “All former presidents deserve Secret Service protection. This bill should be withdrawn.”
In addition, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) sided with Rep. Moskowitz and House Republicans in reiterating support for Secret Service protection for all former Presidents and calling out fellow members of Congress who "fan" the "flames" of violence.
“I strongly condemn the growing violence in politics and those who fan its flames. Given our current political environment and the lack of gun restrictions, it is crucial for all high-ranking officials, including former Presidents, to be protected by the Secret Service. Their safety is vital for safeguarding our democratic processes, national security, and stability. Recent events have emphasized the actual and imminent threats to our leaders, highlighting the need for their protection," said Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick in a written response to The Floridian's request for comment.
Reps. Troy A. Carter Sr., Barbara Lee, Frederica Wilson, Yvette D. Clarke, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Jasmine Crockett, Joyce Beatty, and Steve Cohen, all co-sponsored the bill.
This is a developing story.
