A Secret Service agent on Vice President Kamala Harris’ detail is under investigation for allegedly sexually assaulting a Harris staff member in Wisconsin.
At a Glance
- A Secret Service agent is accused of groping a Harris staffer in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
- The agent has been placed on administrative leave and removed from Harris’ detail.
- Both the Secret Service and Harris’ office confirmed the incident and initiated an investigation.
- Sen. Richard Blumenthal criticized the Secret Service and called for new leadership.
- The incident is part of ongoing scrutiny and scandals faced by the Secret Service.
Allegations Against Secret Service Agent
A Secret Service agent who was part of Vice President Kamala Harris’ security detail has been placed on administrative leave following allegations of misconduct. The agent reportedly groped a Harris staffer in Green Bay, Wisconsin, while intoxicated. This incident puts a spotlight on the conduct of those entrusted with the safety of high-ranking officials.
The local Secret Service field office was promptly notified of the assault, and both the Secret Service and the Office of the Vice President confirmed the incident. The agency has placed the implicated agent on leave and confiscated his gun and badge.
The alleged assault took place during an advance trip in Green Bay. Sources mentioned that the staffer and the agent, along with other officials, were drinking at a restaurant before returning to the staffer’s hotel room, where the alleged groping took place in front of witnesses.
#BREAKING: The Secret Service is investigating claims one of its agents sexually assaulted a Kamala Harris staff member, according to bombshell new reportshttps://t.co/i9MmUDWmaz pic.twitter.com/eqWdosih14
— The US Sun (@TheSunUS) September 25, 2024
Agency Response and Investigation
The Secret Service has begun an internal investigation managed by its Office of Professional Responsibility. “The U.S. Secret Service Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating a misconduct allegation involving an employee,” stated a spokesperson. “The Secret Service holds its personnel to the highest standards.”
“The Office of the Vice President takes the safety of staff seriously. We have zero tolerance for sexual misconduct,” the statement read. “Senior OVP officials were alerted by the USSS about an incident involving an agent and informed that USSS initiated an investigation. The Office of the Vice President will not be releasing further information.”
Sen. Richard Blumenthal criticized the Secret Service in light of ongoing scandals and performance issues. The agency has also come under scrutiny for the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania.
Broader Implications and Scrutiny
The incident in Green Bay is one of several recent challenges facing the Secret Service. The agency has been criticized for unclear roles, lack of accountability, and poor coordination with local law enforcement. A Senate Homeland Security Committee report highlighted these issues, especially in light of failed attempts to prevent harm to former President Trump.
“The Senate report found a number of foreseeable, preventable failures that day, some of which remain unaddressed,” stated a source. “The Secret Service has taken full responsibility for that security breach.”
This unfolding situation with the Secret Service and the latest allegations only intensify the calls for thorough reform within the agency. Senior officials remain informed and are expected to provide updates as the investigation progresses.
