Secret Service Agent on Leave for Alleged Misconduct Involving Harris Staffer

A U.S. Secret Service agent has been placed on administrative leave following allegations of sexual misconduct involving an aide to Vice President Kamala Harris. This inquiry is currently underway, as stated by both the Secret Service and the vice president’s office.

The allegations first surfaced in a report from Real Clear Politics, which cited four sources familiar with the situation. The report indicates that during a trip to Wisconsin for a Harris campaign event, the Secret Service agent, along with several Harris staff members, visited the aide’s hotel room after sharing drinks and dinner. It is claimed that once inside, the agent forced himself on the aide and groped her. Notably, Harris was not present at this event, which was later canceled.

While neither the Secret Service nor the vice president’s office has confirmed the specifics of the incident, the Secret Service did acknowledge that it is investigating a misconduct allegation involving one of its employees. The vice president’s office emphasized its commitment to zero tolerance for sexual misconduct.

A spokesperson for the Secret Service noted, “The U.S. Secret Service Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating a misconduct allegation involving an employee.” They confirmed that the employee has been put on administrative leave while the investigation proceeds.

The statement from the vice president’s office echoed this sentiment, stating, “The Office of the Vice President takes the safety of staff seriously.” They reiterated their zero tolerance policy, indicating that senior officials were informed about the incident and that the investigation had been initiated by the Secret Service.

This incident comes at a time when the Secret Service is under significant scrutiny for other serious breaches, including recent assassination attempts involving former President Donald Trump. A report from a Senate committee released Wednesday outlined various failures in planning, communication, and security that reportedly contributed to a near-lethal incident involving Trump in Pennsylvania this past July.

The 94-page interim Senate report pointed out shortcomings in collaboration with local law enforcement and failure to secure venues adequately during such high-stakes situations. Analysts are now considering how these failures within the Secret Service may have broader implications for governmental security protocols and staff protection.

The ongoing investigation into the alleged misconduct involving the Secret Service agent could add further pressure on the agency as it grapples with maintaining its integrity amid these serious allegations.

The outcome of the investigations related to both the misconduct allegation and the several security lapses remains to be seen as the Secret Service works to regain trust from the public and the Vice President’s office.