Far-right Texas Republicans are calling on U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Dallas to resign over her support of a bill that would have removed Secret Service protection from convicted felons, including former President Donald Trump.
The group, led by state Rep. Brian Harrison, launched its attack two days after Trump’s assassination attempt, arguing that the bill Crockett supported was aimed at leaving Trump unprotected.
The bill, known as the “DISGRACED Former Protectees Act,” sought to remove Secret Service protection from convicted felons, including Trump, arguing that current law doesn’t specify how Secret Service agents would act if the protected person is incarcerated. The bill was introduced in the House on April 19, but did not advance.
“Three months before President Trump was shot and almost killed, [Rep. Crockett] pushed legislation to take away his Secret Service protection,” Harrison wrote in a tweet, along with the picture of a letter signed by 16 Texas Republicans.
The letter said Texans believe both current and former U.S. presidents should have Secret Service protection.
“[You], just three months ago, sponsored legislation to remove (Trump’s) Secret Service protective detail, we, the undersigned current and future members of the Texas legislature, call on you to immediately resign your position in Congress,” the letter stated.
The letter was signed by members and candidates of the Texas legislature associated with white supremacy and the far right. However, no member of Congress or high-profile Republican signed the letter.
Crockett did not issue a statement about the letter. However, when Trump was shot, she said her thoughts were with Trump as he recovered.
“My deepest appreciation is extended to law enforcement for their selfless & decisive action,” she wrote. “Political violence in all forms must be condemned.”
On Saturday, Trump was shot in the ear in a rally in Pennsylvania. Secret Service officers helped him and returned fire at the shooter, killing him. After the incident, President Joe Biden ordered the Secret Service to protect independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Secret Service protection is mandatory for the U.S. president and former presidents. Protection is also provided to major presidential candidates and their families, although third-party candidates usually don’t receive protection.
