In a statement, the Secret Service said the agent, identified as Tomas Escotto, had his security clearance suspended and his access to agency resources revoked pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
The US Secret Service agent assigned to protect Vice President JD Vance who was in an undercover video released by O’Keefe Media Group disclosing sensitive details about his job has been put on leave.
In a statement, the Secret Service said the agent, identified as Tomas Escotto, had his security clearance suspended and his access to agency resources revoked pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
“The US Secret Service has no tolerance for any behavior that could potentially compromise the safety, privacy or trust of our protectees,” Deputy Director Matthew Quinn said in a statement, according to the New York Post. “The US Secret Service has also issued an order for all personnel to retake the agency’s required anti-espionage training in order to ensure employees are aware of the threats posed by individuals aiming to exploit agency employees for information about our protective operations.”
“The US Secret Service has a 160-year-old tradition of discretion that sets this agency apart, and we have no tolerance for employees who fail to meet this standard,” Quinn continued. “The US Secret Service deeply apologizes to the Vance family for this violation of their trust and privacy. The faith our protectees place in this agency is not something the US Secret Service takes lightly, and we are committed to taking the necessary actions to ensure that a similar breach of standards does not occur again.”
The video, posted this week on X by O’Keefe Media Group, shows Escotto speaking to a woman he believed he was on a date with, who was later revealed to be an undercover reporter. According to O’Keefe, Escotto shared sensitive information about how Vance and his family are protected, “including protective formations, shift schedules, travel plans, & real-time locations.”
https://twitter.com/JamesOKeefeIII/status/2011134376307016039?s=20
“Despite acknowledging that he signed paperwork prohibiting the disclosure of sensitive information,” O’Keefe said. “The Secret Service agent repeatedly shared details with someone he believed was a casual romantic interest.”
O’Keefe said the decision to publish the footage was intended to pressure federal agencies to tighten internal security in the agency. He expressed hope that it would "deter bad actors" and "force people to do their jobs" properly.
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