US Secret Service Agent Investigated for ‘Sexual Misconduct’ Involving Harris Staffer, Reports Reuters

By Nandita Bose and Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON – The Secret Service is currently investigating one of its agents following an incident involving a member of Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris’ office, as stated by her team on Wednesday.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) confirmed that the employee is on administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing concerning "a misconduct allegation involving an employee," although no further specifics were provided.

Harris’ office emphasized its "zero tolerance for sexual misconduct" in the announcement. It added that senior officials had been informed by the USSS about the incident and that an investigation was initiated.

The identities of the Secret Service agent and the individual from Harris’ office were not disclosed in the statement from Harris’ team, which noted it would not share additional details.

Reports indicated that a Secret Service agent allegedly assaulted a staff member in a hotel room in Wisconsin this week while the team was exploring potential campaign locations.

Harris is set to face off against former President Donald Trump in what polling suggests is a competitive race for the U.S. elections on November 5.

The Secret Service, responsible for the safety of U.S. political leaders and their families, has come under scrutiny recently regarding its security measures for Trump, especially following an assassination attempt on him during a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13. The incident prompted the resignation of the agency’s former chief and an investigation that revealed lapses in security preparedness.