Secret Service probed for drunk-driving incident, report says
The Obama administration is investigating an alleged drunk-driving incident in which two Secret Service officers drove a government vehicle into a White House barricade, The Washington Post reported Wednesday.
{mosads}One of the officers involved in the alleged incident is a high-ranking member of President Obama’s security detail, according to the Post.
A spokesman for the Secret Service said the agency is “aware of the allegations of misconduct involving two of our employees at the White House Complex.”
The spokesman said Secret Service Director Joseph Clancy has been briefed on the allegations.
“If misconduct is identified, appropriate action will be taken based on established rules and regulations,” the spokesman said.
Officers allegedly witnessed the incident last Wednesday and wanted to arrest the agents involved. But they were told by a superior to let them go.
Secret Service spokesman Brian Leary confirmed the investigation to the Post and said the Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general would lead the probe.
An administration official said Obama is aware of the situation and supports the decision to let the inspector general lead the investigation.
The agents under investigation are the second-ranking member of Obama’s detail, Mark Connolly, and George Ogilvie, a supervisor in the Washington field office. Both declined to comment to the Post.
The alleged incident occurred after both men were drinking at a party for outgoing Secret Service spokesman Edwin Donovan.
House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) and ranking member Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) released a joint statement Wednesday excoriating the Secret Service over the incident.
“The fact that this event involved senior-level agents is not only embarrassing but exhibits a clear lack of judgment in a potentially dangerous situation,” they said.
“The Committee as a whole remains committed to restoring the integrity of this elite agency and improving accountability at all staff levels.”
—Updated at 8:47 p.m.
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