The U.S. Secret Service is investigating a member of Vice President JD Vance's security detail for allegedly leaking sensitive information. The agent has been suspended, and the agency has stated the investigation involves a "potential criminal inquiry" into allegations of "compromising operational and information security."
Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi emphasized that "any conduct that potentially threatens the safety of a protectee will not be tolerated." The White House has declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.
The specifics of the leaked information have not been officially disclosed. However, reports from MS NOW and CNN suggest the suspension is connected to earlier stories citing anonymous sources within Vance's security team who expressed frustration over certain travel arrangements. These reports mentioned concerns about a planned military helicopter flight for Vance's son's golf lesson and for the Vances to engage in house-hunting.
The Vance office, in a statement to MS NOW last week, acknowledged the unique challenges of protecting a vice president with an extensive policy portfolio and a young family. The statement expressed gratitude for the Secret Service agents who "serve our country with distinction" and do so "with excellence every day."
This investigation occurs as Secret Service officials report a significant increase in threats against those they protect, including former President Donald Trump. Secret Service Director Sean Curran described the current environment as the most dangerous in his 24-year career, with the threat level being "off the charts" and "very volatile across the board."
Since January, agents have initiated nearly 10,000 threat investigations. Officials attribute this rise to a combination of online threats, lone actors, ideological extremism, foreign adversaries, and individuals experiencing mental health crises. The agency noted that most threats now originate online, a shift from previous reliance on traditional communication methods.