Secret Service denies 'security lapse' during Obama's visit to LA
The United States Secret Service has refuted claims of a "security lapse" during former President Barack Obama's recent visit to Los Angeles. The allegations, first reported by TMZ, were based on an account from a security guard who claimed he was able to approach Obama's vehicle without being stopped by Secret Service agents. The guard also alleged that he saw Obama in the back of the vehicle using a laptop.
Security guard's account of alleged incident
The security guard, who chose to remain anonymous, told TMZ that he was working at an event above a restaurant where Obama was present last Saturday. According to him, two agents were standing away from the vehicle in an alleyway when he approached it. He also shared a photo with TMZ that he said was taken when he first approached the vehicle.
Secret Service refutes security lapse claims
In response to these allegations, a spokesperson for the Secret Service told Newsweek that the reports were "inaccurate." The spokesperson stated, "The Secret Service cannot provide the details on our means and methods of protection, but we can confirm that at no time were any Secret Service protectees in the vehicle while the individual was walking down the alleyway." They also clarified that the photo shared by the guard was taken upon departure and not during his alleged encounter.
Secret Service under scrutiny for security protocols
The TMZ report comes at a time when the Secret Service is facing increased scrutiny over its security protocols. This follows an assassination attempt at former President Donald Trump's rally in Bulter, Pennsylvania, on July 13. On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs released a report highlighting various "failures" in security during the rally, including miscommunication between agents and local law enforcement officials who assisted in protecting the area.
