The United States Secret Service hit back over the social media drama about one of its agents seen riding on top of the outside of a World War II-era tank during the Grand Military Parade held Saturday in Washington, D.C.
In response to videos and pictures that surfaced on X from the 250th Anniversary celebration of the U.S. Army, the USSS defended one of its agents after images of her riding on the outside of a tank wearing a black T-shirt, light-colored pants, and high-heeled boots circulated and turned into numerous memes.
"Secret Service personnel, including special agents and technical support teams, were assigned to provide security functions to privately owned vehicles participating in the parade," the statement on X read.
"A special agent was assigned to a World War II-era tank and positioned on the exterior of the tank," it added. "The special agent was in a position to accomplish her objectives and was wearing the appropriate attire and equipment, including a ballistic vest and radio."
The agency's post came in response to RealClearPolitics National Political Correspondent Susan Crabtree's post about the one female Secret Service agent who she said "stood out like a sore thumb."
The post read:
Agents were assigned to some of the armored vehicles and tanks as a layer of protection and response if any threats in the parade route emerged. All except one positioned themselves inside the tank.
A young woman agent perched on top of a small tank, right above the words "Sugar," the tank's nickname, and did not seem poised to provide a serious tactical response.
She was wearing an oversized Army helmet without the strap, civilian-looking sunglasses, light khaki pants, and high-heeled boots, at times clicking them together as the stern-faced and grizzled Army soldier beside her saluted President Trump.
Crabtree also provided a few of the memes made about the tank-riding female agent. They can be seen below.
Despite the social media hubbub about the agent, everyone appeared to have had a wonderful time at the celebration, including President Donald Trump, who delivered remarks at the closing of the parade festivities, according to RedState.
Pres. Trump started off by thanking the "greatest, fiercest, and bravest fighting force," saying that the Army helps keep America "free, you make us strong," and on Saturday, wherever they are watching from around the world, the U.S, Army "[has] made all Americans proud."
He moved on to speak directly to our nation's enemies, stating that any who seek to threaten Americans will find that their "downfall will be complete" at the hands of the U.S. military.
Then, a representative of the U.S. Army's Golden Knights took the stage and presented the POTUS, now joined by First Lady Melania Trump, with the American flag that flew over Washington during the day's celebration of the Army's 250th birthday and parade.
More patriotic images from the stunning parade and Americans enjoying it can be found here.