Don Lemon is facing viral criticism after posting a TikTok video mocking former First Lady Melania Trump's emotional account of the July 13 assassination attempt on her husband, Donald Trump. While Lemon, a former CNN anchor, remained silent in the video, his exaggerated body language – including eye-rolling, head shaking and sighing – appeared to convey ridicule and contempt.
Melania Trump's video, posted Wednesday on X, described the “horrible, distressing experience” of the attempt, during which a bullet grazed Donald Trump's ear. The shooter's subsequent gunfire killed one rallygoer and critically injured two others. In her statement, Melania expressed concern, questioning law enforcement's actions: “I can't help but wonder, why didn't law enforcement officials arrest the shooter before the speech.”
Lemon has since deleted the TikTok post, but it continues to spark reactions online.
On Tuesday, Fox News reported that Michael Plati, assistant director of the Secret Service's Office of Protective Operations, was strongly encouraged to retire following the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. According to United States Secret Service (USSS) Acting Director Ronald Rowe, Plati was asked to step down by senior leadership and is expected to do so in the coming days.
The announcement of Plati's resignation follows the July 23 departure of USSS Director Kimberly Cheatle, who resigned under mounting pressure in the wake of the assassination attempt on Trump. In light of these developments, the Department of Defense has stepped in to offer additional assistance to the Secret Service in protecting political figures requiring heightened security.
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