Senior US Secret Service officials suspended on suspicion of misconduct
Among the three suspended is the agency's communications director, Anthony Guglielmi. The suspensions come against the backdrop of sharp criticism of the agency in recent years.
Three senior US Secret Service officials, including the agency's communications director, have been suspended from their duties amid an investigation into suspected misconduct, a source familiar with the decision told CNN. The nature of the alleged misconduct being investigated was not immediately clear.
The three officials, including communications director Anthony Guglielmi, lost their security clearances and access to work devices, the source said, adding that this is standard procedure during internal investigations. All three work in the agency's communications office.
"Under department investigation"
The Secret Service confirmed to CNN that three individuals had been suspended, but did not release their names or detail the nature of the allegations.
"Three non-law enforcement employees of the US Secret Service have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation into alleged misconduct. In accordance with procedure, the incident is being investigated by the Office of Professional Responsibility. We cannot provide further details at this time."
The statement continued: "The Secret Service is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in fulfilling our 'zero fail' mission — protecting the President and other government officials. Our critical work requires that our personnel maintain an uncompromising commitment to duty, integrity, and courage in all aspects of their work."
Against a backdrop of ongoing criticism
The investigation comes as the agency has faced sharp criticism in recent years — against the backdrop of several assassination attempts against Donald Trump, as well as more recent reports of a secret maneuver intended to safely extract President Donald Trump from Turkey last summer.
Some agency personnel were questioned as part of a leak investigation after reports first surfaced that Donald Trump did not use a plane provided by Qatar while in Turkey due to potential threats from Iran. FBI Director Kash Patel helped initiate the initial leak investigation from within the White House.
Last summer, an agent from Vice President JD Vance's security detail was also suspended after investigators suspected he leaked information about Vance's travel. The investigation into his case is still ongoing.
