A U.S. Secret Service agent has been placed on administrative leave as an investigation is launched into allegations of sexual misconduct involving an aide working for Vice President Kamala Harris. The accusations, first reported by Real Clear Politics, have sparked widespread concern and raised questions about the conduct of personnel entrusted with the highest levels of government security.
The allegations stem from an incident during an advance trip for a Harris campaign event in Wisconsin, which was later scrapped. According to Real Clear Politics, the agent, along with several Harris staffers, gathered in the hotel room of the alleged victim after dinner and drinks. It was during this time that the agent reportedly forced himself on the aide and groped her, with other individuals allegedly witnessing the incident. At the time, Vice President Harris was not present.
The U.S. Secret Service and Vice President Harris’ office have not confirmed the specific details of the alleged assault. However, both offices have issued statements indicating that the incident is under investigation. “The U.S. Secret Service Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating a misconduct allegation involving an employee,” a Secret Service spokesperson said. “The employee has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.”
The Office of the Vice President echoed a similar stance, emphasizing a firm commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its staff. “The Office of the Vice President takes the safety of staff seriously,” said a spokesperson. “We have zero tolerance for sexual misconduct. Senior OVP officials were alerted by the USSS about an incident involving an agent and informed that USSS initiated an investigation.”
Although the Harris campaign has not offered additional details, it deferred to the Vice President’s office, which has indicated no further comments will be made at this time.
This is not the first time the U.S. Secret Service has come under intense scrutiny in recent months. The agency has been heavily criticized for a series of security breaches, including two high-profile assassination attempts targeting former President Donald Trump. In July, an attempt on Trump’s life was reported in Butler, Pennsylvania, followed by a second attempt at Trump’s golf course in Florida earlier this month. Both incidents raised alarms about potential lapses in security protocols.
In a Senate interim report released this week, a 94-page document cited serious failures in planning, communication, and security that “directly contributed” to the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. The report highlighted poor coordination with state and local law enforcement agencies and ineffective site security as contributing factors.
As the investigation into the alleged misconduct involving the Secret Service agent proceeds, the situation adds to a growing series of challenges for the agency, which continues to face intense public and political scrutiny.
This unfolding situation will undoubtedly prompt further examination of the culture, conduct, and operations within the U.S. Secret Service, as the agency seeks to restore public confidence in its mission to protect the nation’s leaders.
Credit: CBS News
