The diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) office of the United States Secret Service (USSS) has called for nominees to attend an all-expenses-paid trip to Disney World next month amid concerns the agency is already stretched thin during election season.
The event, entitled the “Out and Equal” Workplace Summit, is scheduled to take place at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, from October 7 to 10. It includes a “gala event” on the final evening and a night out at Disney Studios.
However, according to journalist Susan Crabtree, who made the DEI office’s request for USSS members to attend the event known on X on Wednesday, September 4, many within the USSS are unhappy with the idea as they are already low on manpower.
One source allegedly questioned if sending members of the USSS to the Orlando LGBT event was an appropriate use of manpower.
A lack of available agents was cited as a factor that led to the shooting of former President Donald J. Trump and the killing of firefighter Corey Comperatore in July during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, as USSS agents were supplemented with Homeland Security (DHS) agents who were far less experienced.
Additionally, Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) stated that a whistleblower had indicated that the USSS itself had told agents not to request additional manpower for the Butler rally and that any requests that were made would be denied.
The email requesting agents attend the LGBT event also comes as the Pentagon is giving members of the U.S. Military the green light to support the USSS during election campaigns.
