Three U.S. Secret Service officials have been placed on administrative leave as the agency's professional standards office investigates potential misconduct. The officials were serving in non-law-enforcement roles.
The Secret Service has faced increased scrutiny in recent years. This action comes after several incidents that have drawn public and governmental attention to the agency's operations and security protocols.
In April, an armed individual breached security at the Washington Hilton during an event attended by President Donald Trump. The Secret Service has also been involved in discussions surrounding media reports on security concerns related to Air Force One, including its potential replacement and travel arrangements during presidential trips abroad.
Specifically, news outlets reported on concerns about a new, Qatari-gifted Air Force One, with the Justice Department issuing and later withdrawing subpoenas to journalists for reporting on the matter. In another instance, Trump confirmed he departed Turkey on a different aircraft due to assassination threats, a detail that emerged after reports of an elaborate ruse involving different planes for his staff and the press.
Last month, the Secret Service also confirmed an investigation into one of its agents assigned to Vice President JD Vance's security detail, related to allegations of a news leak concerning agent frustrations over travel requests.