Three U.S. Secret Service officials have been placed on administrative leave as the agency conducts an internal investigation into alleged misconduct. The Office of Professional Responsibility began its review on Tuesday, though specific details regarding the nature of the investigation were not immediately available. The agency stated that the officials involved were not in law enforcement roles.
This internal review comes as the Secret Service faces a heightened security environment, particularly concerning former President Donald Trump. The agency has been aware of a video threat originating from Iran targeting Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump. A Secret Service spokesperson confirmed the agency's awareness of the video and stated that they investigate any potential threats to individuals under their protection.
The video reportedly depicts locations associated with Barron Trump and includes a suggested reward for information on his whereabouts. The threat follows a period of increased tension between the United States and Iran. Iranian state media has aired content threatening Trump and his family, particularly following the U.S. airstrike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in 2020 and the reported assassination of Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Deputy Director of the U.S. Secret Service Matt Quinn noted last month that Iran had publicly expressed intentions to harm Trump. In July, Trump reportedly switched aircraft in Turkey due to a credible threat of a surface-to-air missile attack from Iran. The Secret Service has previously confirmed multiple assassination attempts against Trump, including an incident in Butler, Pennsylvania, which prompted congressional hearings.
Former Secret Service Agent Tim Miller has previously explained the significant resources required to address the unprecedented threat level against Trump, citing both foreign actors and domestic hate groups. The agency has stated it does not comment on matters of protective intelligence out of concern for operational security.