A Secret Service agent is under investigation after making claims she wouldn’t “take a bullet” for Donald Trump.
Back in October, Kerry O’Grady — a senior member of the organization’s Denver office — penned a series of Facebook posts condemning our now newly-elected POTUS after the Billy Bush tapes condoning sexual assault leaked.
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O’Grady wrote at the time:
“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. [T]his 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.”
In case you’re unfamiliar, the Hatch Act restricts certain employees in the executive branch from engaging in some forms of political activity, including specifically stating they:
“May not post a comment to a blog or a social media site that advocates for or against a partisan political party, candidate for partisan political office, or partisan political group.”
When asked for comment on O’Grady’s case, the U.S. Secret Service responded:
“The USSS is aware of the postings and we are looking into the matter.”
Meanwhile, the longtime public servant told Washington Examiner on Monday that she decided to take down the post just days after posting, after taking some time to reflect:
“It was an internal struggle for me but as soon as I put it up, I thought it was not the sentiment that I needed to share because I care very deeply about the mission.”
She insisted she would continue to protect Trump, saying her difference in opinion would not affect her ability to do her job:
“I firmly believe in this job. I’m proud to do it and we serve the office of the president.”
Kerry — a sexual assault survivor — went on to explain her frustration with Donald’s character, someone who now is the leader of the free world:
“There was a very emotional reaction to what was said. But I recognize that the agency is the most important thing to me. My government is the most important thing to me. I serve at the pleasure of the president, but I still have the First Amendment right to say things.”
You can read some of O’Grady’s posts, per screenshots from the Washington Examiner, (below):
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In response to the backlash, Miz O’Grady’s full statement read:
“I serve this country with pride and I proudly diligently and fiercely protect and support the institutions and pillars of our republic established by the very same document that allows my free expression. I do so with every fiber of my being for the very reason that those institutions are in place to guarantee my right and the rights of all our citizens to voice and express our opinions and beliefs even when and especially when those values may be contrary to those of the party in power. My devotion to mission and country is only strengthened by the fact that the founders recognize the value of dissent and the freedom to assemble and voice those opposing convictions. They enshrine those rights for future generations so we avoid the path of authoritarian regimes that shackle their people with fear.”
Do U think Kerry should face consequences for stating her political opinion publicly?? Let us know in the comments!
[Image via Facebook.]
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