A U.S. Secret Service agent assigned to Vice President JD Vance's security detail is under investigation for allegedly leaking sensitive information, the agency confirmed.
Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi stated that the agent is the subject of an administrative investigation, and a potential criminal inquiry, for allegations of compromising operational and information security. Guglielmi did not provide specific details but emphasized that "any conduct that potentially threatens the safety of a protectee will not be tolerated."
The investigation comes amid reports detailing alleged frustrations within Vance's security detail regarding last-minute personal and family travel requests. According to a recent report, these requests have sometimes led to the cancellation of official plans and required hurried security preparations, prompting some agents to express discontent.
Sources familiar with the detail have indicated that the need to accommodate frequent, unscheduled trips, including one for a child's golf lesson that reportedly led to the cancellation of a helicopter flight, strains resources and disrupts established protocols. Some agents reportedly feel that Vance is not adhering to the operational norms expected of a vice president, comparing his travel expectations to those of a U.S. senator.
In response, a spokesperson for Vance stated that the family is grateful to the Secret Service and acknowledged the unique challenges of protecting a vice president with a significant policy portfolio and a young family. The spokesperson added that Secret Service agents perform their duties with excellence daily.
Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn reinforced the demanding nature of protective detail work, noting that agents are committed to ensuring protectee safety while preserving normalcy as much as possible. He stated that the role requires "absolute dedication and discipline" with "no room for compromise."
Reports have also surfaced that some agents created custom coins and stickers referencing Vance's Secret Service code name, "Bobcat," with phrases like "Bobcat OTR Survivors Club," a likely allusion to the "off-the-record" trips. The Trump administration acknowledged that last-minute travel can occur, citing that past presidents and vice presidents did not typically have young children, presenting different protective mandates. The administration also noted Vance's active diplomatic role adds new demands to the detail's operations.
An unrelated incident occurred near the White House where a Secret Service agent was involved in shooting a gunman who had opened fire after being spotted on surveillance, resulting in a child being wounded by the suspect's gunfire. This incident is separate from the investigation into the agent on Vance's detail.