Two Secret Service officers have been suspended following an “on-duty altercation” last week, the agency told Newsweek.
Why It Matters
The Secret Service is tasked with protecting and investigating “protectees, key locations, and events of national significance,” according to its website.
Secret Service agents and officers are allowed to execute warrants, carry firearms, and make arrests like other law enforcement, U.S. criminal code says.
What To Know
A Secret Service spokesperson told Newsweek in an email on Tuesday: “The U.S. Secret Service is aware of an on-duty altercation that occurred between two Uniformed Division officers at approximately 2:30 a.m. on May 21. The individuals involved were suspended from duty and this matter is the subject of an internal investigation.”
The spokesperson added, “The Secret Service has a very strict code of conduct for all employees and any behavior that violates that code is unacceptable. Given this is a personnel matter, we are not in a position to comment further.”
According to NBC News, the Secret Service confirmed the authenticity of a surveillance tape outside former president Barack Obama‘s home in Washington, D.C., that shows two Secret Service agents in an altercation.
Real Clear Politics’ correspondent Susan Crabtree posted video and audio of the incident to X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday.
Crabtree said the incident occurred outside the Obamas’ house and one of the officers called to ask for a supervisor to come to the scene before “I whoop this girl’s a**.”
Newsweek cannot independently verify if the incident Crabtree posted video and audio footage of is the same as the one the Secret Service detailed in its email. Newsweek has reached out to the agency for confirmation in a follow-up email.
In a subsequent post to X, Crabtree cited Secret Service sources who said that one of the officers was reportedly upset when another officer coming to relieve her was late.
What People Are Saying
Conservative commentator Benny Johnson posted on X on Tuesday: “🚨BREAKING: Footage has been released of a fistfight breaking out outside Obama’s DC house between two female Secret Service agents because one was late. DEI on full display.”
Paul Mauro, former commanding officer of the New York City Police Department’s legal bureau wrote on X Tuesday: “Story breaking: Secret Service brawl. Unacceptable. Start transferring/firing people NOW. For the sake of the good agents.”
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.