The U.S. Secret Service has now reportedly placed one of its agents on administrative leave and suspended his security clearance after an undercover video surfaced showing him discussing sensitive aspects of his duties, according to reporting Tuesday by NewsNation.
The agent, who had been assigned to Vice President JD Vance’s protective detail and has served with the agency for five years, was caught on camera speaking with a woman about information tied to Vance’s security measures and travel plans. The video was released Tuesday by the O’Keefe Media Group, an outlet led by conservative activist James O’Keefe.
NewsNation identified the agent as Tomas A. Escotto, though the Secret Service declined to confirm his identity, citing privacy requirements. What the agency did confirm is that the situation is being taken seriously and is now under formal investigation.
In a statement to NewsNation, Deputy Secret Service Director Matthew Quinn said the agency has zero tolerance for conduct that could endanger those under its protection. He said the agent involved has been placed on administrative leave, had his security clearance suspended, and lost access to agency facilities and systems.
“The U.S. Secret Service has no tolerance for any behavior that could potentially compromise the safety, privacy or trust of our protectees,” Quinn said, underscoring the seriousness of the breach.
As part of its response, the Secret Service has ordered all personnel to retake mandatory anti-espionage training. Quinn said the move is intended to ensure employees fully understand the risks posed by individuals who may attempt to exploit agency personnel for sensitive information related to Secret Service operations.
The incident comes at a time of heightened concern over threats targeting senior government officials and their families. Earlier this month, a 26-year-old Ohio man, William D. DeFoor, was arrested in connection with vandalism at Vice President Vance’s home in Cincinnati.
According to a Justice Department release, DeFoor faces multiple federal charges, including damaging government property, engaging in physical violence against property in a restricted area, and assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers. Authorities said Vance and his family were not at the residence at the time of the incident.
The Justice Department said DeFoor was armed with a hammer, which he allegedly used to smash glass windows across the front of the vice president’s home. He is also accused of causing approximately $28,000 in damage to a Secret Service vehicle during the incident.
While officials have not directly linked the vandalism case to the undercover video involving the agent, the close timing of the two incidents has added urgency to the agency’s internal review and training efforts.
The Secret Service’s swift action signals an effort to reassure the public that lapses in judgment, especially those involving sensitive security information, will not be tolerated. Protecting the vice president and other high-level officials depends on strict adherence to protocol and discretion, and agency leaders appear determined to reinforce those standards in the wake of the video’s release.
As the investigation continues, the agency has made clear that safeguarding the security and trust of its protectees remains its top priority.
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