Secret Service 'DEI Effort' Under Investigation After Agent Involved in Brawl
By Mike Fishmore | June 3, 2024
House Oversight Committee
The House Oversight Committee, led by Republicans, is requesting clarification from the Secret Service regarding its hiring practices after an agent assigned to Vice President Kamala Harris was involved in a physical altercation.
Security vulnerabilities
The Committee seeks to address potential security vulnerabilities affecting the safety of protectees like the president, vice president, and their relatives.
Screening process
Comer highlighted concerns raised within the agency regarding the hiring and screening process for agent Michelle Herczeg, who was relieved of her duties after assaulting a superior officer at Joint Base Andrews on April 22.
Previous incidents
There are reports indicating that previous incidents in Herczeg's work history may have been overlooked during the hiring process due to staff shortages leading to a relaxation of once stringent standards as part of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
Physically engaged
During the altercation, Herczeg allegedly threw menstrual pads and other objects at a colleague and physically engaged with the special agent in charge after being reassigned.
A complaint
Herczeg, a former Dallas police officer, lodged a complaint against the city in 2016, claiming that she “was targeted for being a female officer,” as reported by the Dallas Morning News.
Insufficient training
Comer also referenced a petition within the Secret Service, as reported by Bloomberg earlier this month, which highlighted concerns about insufficient training, possible internal threats, and disparities in disciplinary measures.
Secret Service
The petition called for a congressional inquiry. The Secret Service has not yet provided a response to the request for comment.
Dropped the ball
A former colleague from the Dallas Police Department informed The Post recently that they would have not permitted Herczeg “to supervise my dog, much less the vice president,” adding of her hiring: “Somebody dropped the ball on this one.”
Police department
“How she got in the military, how she got into the police department, how she got in the Secret Service, I don’t have a clue,” the person added of Herczeg, an Air Force veteran.
Loss for words
“I was at a loss for words when I heard she was an agent, much less on a detail with somebody that high up.”
Just knew
“Everybody, including myself,” the co-worker added, “just knew she wasn’t right.”
