A U.S. Secret Service agent assigned to Vice President JD Vance’s protective detail has been placed on administrative leave with his security clearance suspended and access to agency facilities and systems revoked, following allegations that he leaked sensitive security information to an undercover journalist.
The agent, Tomas Escotto, was recorded on hidden camera providing details including protective formations, shift schedules, travel plans, and real-time locations, according to a report by O’Keefe Media Group. Escotto, described as a Biden-era holdover, reportedly expressed opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration policies, stating he voted for Joe Biden and “hates ICE,” while acknowledging non-disclosure agreements that prohibit sharing such information.
The undercover journalist posed as a romantic interest, and Escotto allegedly shared future travel plans days in advance and sent images from Air Force Two while onboard with the vice president. O’Keefe Media Group coordinated with the Secret Service ahead of publication, redacting specific operational details at the agency’s request to avoid compromising security.
Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn issued an internal memo acknowledging the incident, stating the employee was “deliberately targeted and manipulated” but “failed to meet the standards demanded of this agency.” Quinn added that the conduct “runs counter to our values, our policies, and the training we provide to prevent exactly this type of compromise.”
In a statement to O’Keefe Media Group and Fox News, Quinn confirmed: “The U.S. Secret Service has no tolerance for any behavior that could potentially compromise the safety, privacy or trust of our protectees. This incident is under investigation and the employee involved has been placed on administrative leave with his clearance suspended and access to agency facilities and systems revoked.”
The agency also ordered all personnel to retake required anti-espionage training to reinforce awareness of threats from individuals seeking to exploit employees for protective operation information. The Secret Service expressed apologies to the Vance family for the violation of trust and privacy.
Fox News reported the allegations, noting the incident raises broader concerns about operational security within the agency. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
