What Secret Service Did During Harris’ Event That Has Left Americans Reeling
The Secret Service has come under fire after agents unlawfully entered a Massachusetts hair salon during a fundraising event for Vice President Kamala Harris causing widespread outrage.
As reported by The Post Millennial on Sunday, August 11, 2024, the incident involved agents breaking in without permission, covering security cameras with duct tape, and using the restroom for nearly two hours.
Alicia Powers, the salon’s owner, shared her experience, noting that the agents picked the lock to enter the establishment and proceeded to tape over the security cameras.
They allowed attendees to use the bathroom during this time, but the agents did not secure the premises afterward, leaving it unlocked.
Powers understood the need for security measures during such events, especially with bomb sweeps taking place.
“They had a bunch of people in and out here doing a couple of bomb sweeps again—totally understand what they have to do, due to the nature of the situation,” she told Business Insider. However, she felt overwhelmed by the chaotic situation and decided to close the salon for the day.
Surveillance footage from the salon showed a female Secret Service agent using a chair to reach and cover a security camera with duct tape. Over the next hour and a half, multiple agents entered the salon, used the facilities, and inadvertently triggered alarms without authorization.
Following the incident, the Secret Service reached out to Powers and issued a formal apology through its Boston office.
A spokesperson stated, “The US Secret Service works closely with our partners in the business community to carry out our protective and investigative missions.” They acknowledged that they had communicated with Powers regarding the situation.
However, Brian Smith, the landlord of the salon, insisted that the Secret Service did not have permission to enter the building. “They had no permission to go in there whatsoever,” he said.
This sentiment was echoed by Powers, who reported that a representative from the Secret Service admitted their actions were inappropriate.
“He said to me everything that was done was done very wrong,” she recounted. “They were not supposed to tape my camera without permission. They were not supposed to enter the building without permission.”
The incident has left many Americans reeling, raising questions about the Secret Service’s protocols and respect for private property.
Critics argue that the agents’ actions were a gross overreach, potentially undermining public trust in an agency tasked with ensuring safety.
As the Secret Service conducts an internal review of the incident, it highlights the delicate balance between security measures and respecting the rights of individuals and businesses.
The salon’s owner hopes for better communication and respect in future engagements, emphasizing the need for protocol that safeguards both public safety and private property rights.