Secret Service suspends top spokesman and two others as misconduct mystery grows
Three non-law-enforcement U.S. Secret Service officials have been placed on administrative leave following the launch of an internal inquiry by the agency’s professional standards office.
The three personnel were working in non-operational roles when the inquiry into potential misconduct began, according to reports from the agency’s public information office. The specific grounds for the action remain unclear as the Office of Professional Responsibility carries out its formal review.
Among those suspended is Anthony Guglielmi, the agency’s chief of communications.
The move follows disclosures last month that a member of Vice President JD Vance’s security team came under scrutiny over allegations tied to a suspected news leak, the U.S. Secret Service said Thursday.
Guglielmi explained at the time that the security detail member was being evaluated under an internal probe and a possible criminal investigation into compromised “operational and information security.”
“While we will not comment on the specifics of this matter, one principle is unequivocal: any conduct that potentially threatens the safety of a protectee will not be tolerated,” Guglielmi said in a statement.
The agency refrained from publicly identifying the individual under investigation.
That inquiry was connected to an MS NOW report last week which revealed that certain agents had expressed private frustration over short-notice travel arrangements requested by Vance and his family.
Separately, the U.S. Secret Service acknowledged awareness of a broadcast on Iranian state television that appears to pose a threat to Barron Trump, the youngest son of President Donald Trump.
“The U.S. Secret Service is aware of the video and investigates anything that can be perceived as a threat toward our protectees,” Secret Service spokesman Nate Herring said in a statement. “Out of concern for operational security, we do not discuss matters of protective intelligence.”
The Secret Service has faced sustained public scrutiny, with President Donald Trump targeted in at least three assassination plots over the last two years.
Police noted an incident in April where an armed individual breached security perimeters at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, an event attended by Trump.
“Three non-law enforcement personnel at the U.S. Secret Service have been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into potential misconduct,” an agency spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday. “Per policy, this incident is being investigated by the Office of Professional Responsibility. We are unable to comment further at this time.”
The spokesperson added: “The U.S. Secret Service is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in fulfilling our zero-fail mission of protecting the President and other high-level government officials. Our critical work demands that our workforce maintain an unwavering commitment to duty, honesty, and courage in all aspects of their jobs. We will continue to pursue the level of excellence that is worthy of the mission which has been entrusted to us by the American people.”
