Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is under intense scrutiny following a recent photo opportunity that raised significant concerns around her handling of a firearm. A video posted on X on Monday captures Noem during an operational ride-along with officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) alongside Arizona law enforcement. In this clip, she is seen standing between two law enforcement officers, with the muzzle of a rifle inadvertently aimed at one of the officers, identified as Brian.

As Noem stands between the two officers, she enthusiastically discusses their ongoing mission. Here we are with Marco and Brian today, she states, while the rifle is pointed dangerously close to Officer Brians head. Theyre letting me roll with them. Were going to go out and pick up somebody who I think has got charges of human trafficking, she continues. We earlier had an op that swept up somebody that was wanted for murder. So appreciate the good work that they do every day, and we appreciate them working to make America safe.

Following her remarks, Noem tweeted an accompanying message, highlighting the seriousness of human trafficking and drug smuggling operations the team was tackling. Spent the morning in Phoenix with our brave @ICEgov and Arizona law enforcement arresting these dirtbags and getting them off of our streets, she shared, alongside a video clip of their operation.

However, the backlash was swift and harsh. Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego, a Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq, was among the first to respond critically. He pointed out the glaring safety issues with Noem's firearm handling. 1. Close your ejection port. 2. If you have no rounds in the chamber, why do you have a magazine inserted? 3. If you have rounds in the chamber or in the magazine, why are you flagging the guy next to you? Gallego tweeted, further condemning her role in the administrations deportation practices, stating, 4. Stop deporting people without due process.

Continuing his critique, Gallego shared a video with a caption that read, Kristi Noem doesnt know how to hold a gun or run the Department of Homeland Security. This sentiment was echoed by others, including military reporter Alex Horton from The Washington Post, who also an Iraq veteran. Horton commented on the video, stating that Noem exhibited bad muzzle discipline, as she was pointing the muzzle of the M4 rifle at an officer, indicating it was chambered. He expressed concern that no one intervened to correct her unsafe handling of the weapon, highlighting a broader issue regarding firearm safety protocols among those in positions of authority.

The criticism of Noems firearm handling did not come solely from the left. Even voices from the right expressed their discontent with her actions. Podcast host Jesse Kelly posed a rhetorical question, Do we really need Kristi Noem cosplaying as a door-kicker? What does this gain us? Its clownish, unserious, and embarrassing. Everything doesnt need to be a photo opportunity. Send rough men to get the barbarians and leave this stuff for Broadway. ICE has it covered. Similarly, John Davidson, a senior editor at The Federalist, suggested that regardless of political opinions, most could agree that such photo ops are absurd.

Adding a layer of personal history to the criticism, some commentators referenced Noems past admission of having accidentally shot and killed her puppy, adding a sardonic tone to their remarks. New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich commented with a screenshot of Noems pose, quipping, Kristi Noem preparing to break down the door of your local pet shelter.

This incident highlights not only the scrutiny facing public figures but also raises essential discussions about firearm safety, especially among those tasked with safeguarding the public. As she faces mounting criticism, this situation could pose significant implications for Noem's political future and credibility as a leader in homeland security.