An unexpected event unfolded during a recent rally for former President Donald Trump in North Carolina. A Secret Service agent responsible for ensuring the safety of the former president left her post to attend to a personal matter. This agent, who was part of the security detail from the Atlanta Field Office, was found in a room designated for official Secret Service work by the site agent. She was there to breastfeed her child, just minutes before Trump’s motorcade was due to arrive.
According to reports, the agent, along with two family members, had managed to bypass the usual security checks. They were escorted into the room by a staff member who wasn’t authorized to be there. This breach of protocol raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about security measures.
The Secret Service, once known for its strict adherence to security protocols, responded through spokesman Anthony Guglielmi. He stated that the incident did not impact the event’s security but acknowledged that the matter was under review.
“All employees of the U.S. Secret Service are held to the highest standards,” he said. “While there was no impact to the North Carolina event, the specifics of this incident are being examined. Given this is a personnel matter, we are not in a position to comment further.”
EXCLUSIVE and BREAKING: During a Donald Trump visit to North Carolina yesterday, a woman Secret Service special agent abandoned her post to breastfeed with no permission/warning to the event site agent, according to three sources in the Secret Service community.
Shortly… pic.twitter.com/lkfhhLcA0B
— Susan Crabtree (@susancrabtree) August 15, 2024
This incident comes on the heels of another security scare involving Trump, where he was shot in the ear at a rally in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service has faced criticism for its preparedness following that event, leading to the resignation of former Director Kimberly Cheatle due to external pressures.
The Secret Service has been dealing with more than just this incident. Reports suggest that Trump’s regular security detail has been experiencing internal strife, including allegations of inappropriate behavior, mental health issues, and even a tragic suicide among its members. These issues have highlighted the challenges and stress faced by agents in such high-stakes roles.
One notable example of the internal discord was when a member of the detail took photos of a colleague sleeping on duty and shared them for humor, which was seen as a betrayal and a risk to team safety. This act, among others, has led to discussions about the culture within the Secret Service and how it might affect their mission.
Secret Service agent abandoned her post as Trump arrived to North Carolina rally yesterday to breastfeed inside USSS crisis room reserved for events involving President, Real Clear Politics reports
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) August 15, 2024
