A U.S. Secret Service agent is under investigation after being accused of sexually assaulting a staffer from Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign. The incident reportedly took place during a work trip in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where the staff was conducting security preparations for a now-canceled Harris event.
According to multiple reports, the accused agent allegedly groped a female staff member after the group had gone out for dinner and consumed alcohol. The group returned to a hotel where the alleged assault occurred in front of other colleagues.
Secret Service agent under investigation for alleged sexual assault of Harris aide, as first reported by @susancrabtree of @RCPolitics https://t.co/udSxbCKdoP pic.twitter.com/VSMmTMExhx
— Joey Garrison (@joeygarrison) September 25, 2024
The agent, whose name has not been released, was reportedly intoxicated and had to be physically removed from the room by his coworkers. He was found passed out in the hallway afterward. Following the allegations, the Secret Service placed the agent on administrative leave and launched an internal investigation.
The Secret Service's Office of Professional Responsibility is handling the case, while the agency affirmed it upholds strict behavioral standards for its personnel, particularly concerning alcohol consumption.
Man i will not forget this mars cancer season. Look. Sexual assault by secret service agent on a Kamala Harris campaign aide. pic.twitter.com/GfeVG9pguX
— Harris Datsich (@DaddyAstrology) September 25, 2024
This case raises further scrutiny of the agency, which has already been under fire for other controversies. Reports indicate that the investigation could lead to criminal charges depending on the outcome.
The Office of the Vice President emphasized its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual misconduct, stating that senior officials were immediately informed of the situation by the Secret Service.
The accused agent was called back to Washington, D.C., to face investigators, and his future with the agency remains uncertain. The agent’s actions, if found in violation of the law or agency protocols, could result in disciplinary actions or criminal charges, especially as Secret Service guidelines prohibit alcohol consumption within 10 hours of duty.
This incident is not the first scandal to hit the Secret Service in recent years, adding to concerns about the agency's internal culture. Some lawmakers are pushing for a review of how these incidents are handled, with hearings scheduled to examine broader accountability issues.
