Incident Involving Harris Staffer Adds to Agency's Recent Troubles
Written by: Sam Orlando
STAUNTON, VIRGINIA - The U.S. Secret Service is embroiled in controversy once again, this time over allegations that one of its agents sexually assaulted an aide to Vice President Kamala Harris. The agency confirmed on Wednesday that it is investigating claims that the agent, who was part of Harris’s protective detail, forced himself onto the woman and groped her in a hotel room in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
According to a report from Real Clear Politics, the incident occurred after the agent and several other Harris staffers had dinner and drinks at a local restaurant. The agent, allegedly intoxicated, followed the aide back to her hotel room, where the assault took place. The report claims that other individuals present at the restaurant witnessed the agent’s inappropriate behavior.
The Secret Service has placed the agent on administrative leave and confiscated his gun and badge. “The U.S. Secret Service Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating a misconduct allegation involving an employee,” an agency spokesperson said. “The Secret Service holds its personnel to the highest standards. The employee has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.”
In response to the allegations, the Office of the Vice President issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to staff safety and its zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct. “Senior OVP officials were alerted by the USSS about an incident involving an agent and informed that USSS initiated an investigation,” the statement read. “The Office of the Vice President will not be releasing further information.”
This scandal comes as the Secret Service is still grappling with criticism following two recent assassination attempts against Donald Trump. During a campaign rally in western Pennsylvania in July, a gunman fired at the former president, injuring him and killing one attendee while wounding two others. A Secret Service sniper eventually neutralized the threat.
A Senate Homeland Security Committee report released Wednesday criticized the Secret Service’s handling of the incident, citing a lack of clear roles and responsibilities among the advance team and poor coordination with local law enforcement. The report also noted that Secret Service personnel appeared to deflect blame during questioning by committee staff.
With the agency facing mounting scrutiny over its ability to protect high-profile political figures, the latest allegations could not have come at a worse time. The investigation into the assault allegations will be closely watched, as will the agency's efforts to restore public confidence amid a series of high-profile missteps.
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