Secret Service Agent Under Investigation After Campaign Staffer Allegations
The U.S. Secret Service has launched an investigation into allegations that one of its agents, assigned to Vice President Kamala Harris’ protective detail, sexually assaulted a female staff member from Harris’ office. The incident allegedly took place in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during a visit last week where Harris’ team was scouting potential campaign stops for her presidential bid.
The accused agent has been placed on administrative leave, and the Secret Service confirmed that an inquiry is underway. According to Real Clear Politics, the agent allegedly forced himself onto the staff member and groped her in her hotel room after a group dinner involving alcohol with other Harris staffers. Law enforcement officials who spoke to NBC News stated that the agent was intoxicated when the groping occurred.
The local Secret Service field office was alerted about the incident, and, following protocol, the agent’s gun and badge were confiscated. A Secret Service spokesperson confirmed that their Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating the misconduct claim, emphasizing that “the Secret Service holds its personnel to the highest standards.”
In response to the incident, Vice President Harris’ office issued a statement underscoring their commitment to staff safety, saying, “We have zero tolerance for sexual misconduct.” The office was promptly informed of the situation by the Secret Service, but it declined to release further details pending the investigation.
Witnesses reportedly observed the agent’s actions during the evening, adding credibility to the allegations. However, the investigation is still in its early stages, and the outcome remains unclear.
This development is a significant blow to the Secret Service, which is already under intense scrutiny following the July 13 assassination attempt on Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump during a rally in western Pennsylvania. During that event, a gunman climbed to a roof overlooking the rally and fired at Trump, grazing him with a bullet. Tragically, the gunman killed one attendee and injured two others before being neutralized by a Secret Service sniper.
A report issued by the Senate Homeland Security Committee and its Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations found major lapses in the Secret Service’s advance preparations for Trump’s rally, citing unclear roles, poor coordination with local law enforcement, and a lack of accountability.
The findings criticized the agency’s failure to prevent the shooter from getting into position and raised questions about the agency’s overall preparedness in protecting high-profile figures.
The Secret Service has been grappling with these two high-profile incidents, which have placed their operational protocols and internal culture under the microscope. While the agency maintains that it is dedicated to protecting the nation’s leaders, these recent failures suggest deeper issues that require urgent attention.