The Secret Service will explain to Congress why an agent protecting Vice President Kamala Harris was disarmed, handcuffed and removed from duty after getting into a fight with fellow agents.
Officer Michelle Herczeg, a female officer in Harris’ security detail, reportedly began fighting with fellow officers after reporting for duty at Joint Base Andrew in April ahead of a trip with the vice president.
Herczeg was reportedly armed when she became angry and erratic, throwing things at her fellow officers, including sanitary pads, and telling them they would “burn in hell.” according to to RealClearPolitics.
A superior officer told her she had been relieved of duty, prompting her to lash out, first punching her superior in the chest, then tackling and punching the officer. Her fellow officers broke up the fight and disarmed her before she was handcuffed and removed from duty.
Commission Chairman James Comer described the disturbing events in a letter to Director Kim Cheatle requesting a Secret Service briefing on the incident that allegedly occurred between Officer Michelle Herczeg and her colleagues.
A spokesperson for the Secret Service told Fox News Digital would comply with a request from House Oversight Chairman James Comer to brief Congress on the incident on June 21.
The situation has raised concerns among House Republicans about the overall leadership and training procedures for the Secret Service
In May one letter from committee chairman James Comer, described the disturbing events and requested a briefing with the Secret Service on the incident.
“The committee requests a briefing from the U.S. Secret Service to discuss these reports and how the agency is responding to quickly remediate any vulnerabilities,” the letter said.
The letter shows that House Republicans are concerned about the current state of the agency, which has historically been considered to have the most experienced and qualified agents charged with protecting the president and vice presidents. president and their family members.
Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff. Harris was not nearby when the fight occurred.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer requested a Secret Service briefing in a letter
The incident led to complaints within the Secret Service about director Kimberly Cheatle’s leadership.
An anonymous one petition launched on Change.org cited the incident as an example of how Cheatle’s adherence to gender quotas left behind a dangerous individual within the agency who should have been fired long ago after issues with her performance.
The petition now has more than 200 signatures.
The petition alleges that Cheatle’s adherence to the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) rather than merit-based promotions was the cause of the incident.
“The Secret Service used to be an elite agency, known for its exacting standards and impeccable record, in keeping with its proud motto ‘Worthy of Trust and Confidence,’ which appears on the credentials of every Secret Service agent, ‘ the petition said.
“Many, however, are concerned that the Secret Service under Director Cheatle has become increasingly vulnerable to potential insider threats that pose a risk to U.S. national security.”
Comer’s letter gave the Secret Service a deadline of June 13 to comply with the request.
Cheatle was appointed director for President Joe Biden after the agency faced criticism after a majority of officers’ text messages about the events of Jan. 6 were deleted.
Shortly after taking on her new role, Cheatle announced her goal of having 30 percent female recruits for the agency by 2030.
“As I sit in this chair, I am acutely aware that we need to attract diverse candidates and ensure that we develop and provide opportunities for everyone in our workforce, especially women,” Cheatle said in a speech. interview with CBS.