Mannat Saini, Pune
In an incident that allegedly took place last week, an armed individual came into close proximity to former United States President Barack Obama’s car in Los Angeles, despite the presence of federal agents. The incident, reported by a guard, poses as yet another lapse in security on the part of the Secret Service, especially in light of the recent Trump assassination attempts.
The United States Secret Service has come forward to address the recent claims of an armed man being present and strolling around former President Barack Obama’s car in Los Angeles. However, a spokesperson from the Secret Service has rubbished the claims, stating that they are “inaccurate.”
Additionally, in a public statement, the Secret Service claimed that “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. These claims are inaccurate,” adding that the photo being circulated as proof of the incident was taken during the departure of the former President and not during the alleged incident as it is being suggested.
However, witnesses have come forward with contrary claims. One of the witnesses was interviewed by TMZ, where they maintained that an armed guard came within inches of the former President, observing him sitting in the back seat of his SUV, using his laptop. The witness goes on to claim that the presence of the armed person stirred a moment of panic, prompting him to distance himself from the vehicle instantly.
What is the alleged incident, according to the initial report?
According to the guard, the former President’s car was parked in front of a restaurant known as ‘Mother Wolf,’ located on a Hollywood alleyway, on Saturday at 7:30 PM. The armed man, who was employed at a local bar mitzvah as a guard, stated that he descended the stairs after learning that federal agents were posted outside.
Upon arrival, the man spotted Secret Service agents in the passage. On the other end, he spotted a black SUV with Department of Homeland Security number plates. The guard claims not to have had a view of the former President.
However, once he came forward and greeted the agents on duty, he maintained that they were embarrassed at the alleged incident.
In light of the recent assassination attempts on former president Donald Trump, this lapse is being termed as rather “callous.” While the Secret Service is facing its fair share of criticism, reports allege that a Secret Service member sexually harassed one of Kamala Harris’ official staff members during her campaign trip last week.