A US Secret Service agent has been put on leave after being accused of sexual misconduct involving one of Vice-President Kamala Harris’s staff members. According to the BBC, the Secret Service confirmed the investigation but didn’t provide many details.
The agency emphasized that it holds its personnel to the “highest standard.” The vice-president’s office is aware of the situation but hasn’t shared much information either. A source told the BBC that the incident involved an aide who works with Harris.
The BBC explains that the Secret Service is under increasing pressure as more problems within the agency come to light. This latest allegation happened last week in Wisconsin while Harris’s team was preparing for a possible event there.
After a dinner and drinks, the agent allegedly groped the Harris aide in a hotel room, with others present, according to reports from CBS and the Associated Press. The agent was said to be drunk during the incident.
Vice-President Harris was supposed to attend an event in Green Bay, Wisconsin, but later chose to go to Atlanta, Georgia, instead, BBC reported.
This situation comes at a difficult time for the Secret Service, as it faces criticism for past security failures. A recent report from a congressional committee criticized the agency for not properly handling security ahead of an attempted assassination on former President Donald Trump at a rally in July, BBC added.
The Secret Service is asking for a budget increase of $3 billion to hire more agents, upgrade equipment, and improve training.
Meanwhile, a recent Gallup poll showed that public satisfaction with the Secret Service has dropped significantly, with a 23-point decline, according to the BBC.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgeygy255ewo