The Secret Service has permanently removed an agent who said in Facebook comments that she would refuse to "take a bullet" for President Donald Trump and rather face "jail time."
Back in October, special agent Kerry O'Grady suggested on her Facebook page that she would not sacrifice herself to save Trump if he became president. In the same post, O'Grady claimed that Trump was a threat to women and minorities while endorsing Hillary Clinton.
As a public servant for nearly 23 years, I struggle not to violate the Hatch Act. So I keep quiet and skirt the median. To do otherwise can be a criminal offense for those in my position. Despite the fact that I am expected to take a bullet for both sides.
But this world has changed and I have changed. And I would take jail time over a bullet or an endorsement for what I believe to be disaster to this country and the strong and amazing women and minorities who reside here. Hatch Act be damned. I am with Her.
The Secret Service launched an investigation when it learned of O'Grady's comments and two weeks ago posted her former job as an open position within the agency, the Washington Examiner reported Sunday. O'Grady was the agent in charge of the Secret Service's Denver district who coordinated with Washington for presidential trips to the area.
O'Grady was placed on administrative leave while the agency conducted an internal investigation into her comments. Current and former Secret Service agents worry that O'Grady will not be fired but instead transferred to a different division in the Department of Homeland Security, according to the Examiner. If transferred, O'Grady would be able to serve until retirement and keep her pension.
This scenario is similar to former Secret Service Deputy Director Alvin "A.T." Smith, who was forced to resign back in February 2015 after a series of security failures. In an agency-wide email, it was announced that Smith was transferred to another position within DHS.
The Secret Service is now facing renewed scrutiny for its latest security lapse. On Friday, an individual jumped the White House fence and was on the grounds for 15 minutes until agents apprehended him.
In a separate incident, two agents are under investigation for taking photos of President Trump's sleeping grandson.