A Secret Service employee assigned to protect Vice President J.D. Vance has been put on leave following an undercover video from independent journalist James O’Keefe, which seems to show him leaking classified security details. The agency confirmed this to Fox News.
The Secret Service is currently investigating the matter and has suspended the involved employee’s security clearance, as well as their access to agency facilities and systems. This raises significant concerns about operational safety and could lead to a mandatory retraining session for all personnel.
Matthew Quinn, the Deputy Director of the Secret Service, stated, “We do not condone any actions that might compromise the safety or privacy of those we protect. This matter is under investigation, and those involved have had their permits suspended and are on administrative leave.” He also mentioned that all employees are required to undergo counter-espionage training to ensure they recognize threats from individuals attempting to exploit personnel for sensitive information.
In a statement, Quinn emphasized the agency’s longstanding commitment to discretion, expressing regret to the Vance family for this breach of trust. He assured that the agency takes the trust placed in them very seriously and will implement measures to prevent future incidents.
O’Keefe claimed that the undercover footage revealed a Secret Service agent, who purportedly was on Vance’s security team, sharing sensitive information with someone he thought was a romantic interest. He stated that discussions included protected formations, shift schedules, and security procedures, along with photos taken while using the Second Air Force.
Fox News Digital has not been able to independently verify the details of this video.
O’Keefe also asserted that the agents he recorded provided confidential security info to undercover journalists and talked about protective formations and real-time location data. Moreover, the agent supposedly acknowledged sharing information “sometimes days in advance,” despite having signed documents forbidding such disclosures.
O’Keefe referred to the agent as a “holdover from the Biden administration,” suggesting he held negative views toward ICE and the previous Trump administration.
He noted that his organization had coordinated with the Secret Service prior to releasing the footage and had redacted specific operational details at the agency’s request.
The Secret Service’s role includes protecting the President, Vice President, and other select officials, and operates under strict confidentiality rules. The agency has not specified a timeline for completing the investigation or whether it may lead to any criminal charges.
The White House has not yet provided a comment regarding the situation.
