"An off duty USSS Uniformed Division Officer assigned to Foreign Missions Branch was arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC," Brian Leary told the broadcast network.
The agency charged with providing security to US President Barack Obama has come under fire over the past several months for various security lapses. Most recently, special agent Shaun Bridges was found last week to have funneled some $800,000 in virtual currency via an illicit online marketplace.
Secret Service confirms one of its officers arrested by DC police. Charges pending. Security clearance suspended and put on admin leave.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) April 10, 2015
Other high-profile security breaches committed by the Secret Service include being drunk on duty, allowing a person to jump the White House fence and reach the East Room before being apprehended, as well as overlooking an armed man with a criminal history boarding an elevator next to US President Barack Obama.
In response, the US Secretary of Homeland Security announced the establishment of a new post last month to maintain the USSS' professional standards and restore public trust.
