A U.S. Secret Service agent has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations that he groped an aide who works for Vice President Kamala Harris, according to reports.
The sexual misconduct allegedly occurred last week, while the agent was on a trip with Harris staff members tasked with scouting out possible locations in Wisconsin to host the Democratic presidential nominee. At one point, the group went out for dinner and drinks, and the agent allegedly became intoxicated. He’s accused of groping the woman in the presence of others after they went back to the hotel, several sources familiar with the matter told the Associated Press.
The Secret Service — the agency responsible for protecting the president, vice president, candidates and some members of Congress — has since confirmed its Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating the matter. It also noted that the accused agent, who has not been identified, has been removed from Harris’ service detail.
“The Secret Service holds its personnel to the highest standards,” it said in a statement.
A spokesperson for Harris’ campaign office said the Secret Service notified them of a “misconduct” probe into one of its agents.
Harris’ office said in a statement that “we have zero tolerance for sexual misconduct,” and that the office takes “safety of staff seriously.”