A member of Vice President JD Vance's Secret Service detail has been placed under investigation, and possibly facing criminal charges, over allegations of leaking sensitive information that compromised operational security.

"A member of the Vice Presidential Protective Division is the subject of an administrative investigation, and potential criminal inquiry, involving allegations of compromising operational and information security," Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement. The agency declined to name the agent or detail the specifics of the alleged conduct, but Guglielmi added that "any conduct that potentially threatens the safety of a protectee will not be tolerated."

The agent has reportedly been placed on administrative leave, with the agent's security clearance suspended and access to agency facilities and systems revoked while the investigation continues, according to Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn.

What Prompted the Investigation

The probe traces back to a mid-July report from MS NOW that described a "budding morale problem" among agents assigned to protect Vance and his family. According to that report, agents had grown frustrated with last-minute personal travel demands that forced them to cancel days off or scrap other plans. The story also detailed a proposed plan to use Marine Two, the call sign for the helicopter carrying the vice president, to fly Vance's son to a golf lesson at Joint Base Andrews, a use of government resources one former Secret Service supervisor said had no real precedent among past vice presidents.

Sources familiar with the matter told CNN that officials believe they've identified the person responsible for leaking details used in that story. The Trump administration defended the proposed helicopter use once the report was published, saying it would have reduced the burden on local law enforcement compared to a motorcade and avoided road closures. Shortly after the story ran, Vance's office canceled the planned helicopter flight.

Separately, an undercover video from independent journalist James O'Keefe reportedly captured a Secret Service employee assigned to Vance's detail appearing to discuss sensitive security information, according to Fox News. It remains unclear whether that video and the leak identified in connection with the MS NOW story involve the same individual.

A Detail Under Strain

Sources told CNN that Vance's often unpredictable travel schedule, both personal and professional, has placed significant strain on the security and logistics personnel supporting his movements, concerns that have circulated within law enforcement and military circles for some time. The pressure has reportedly been compounded by broader staffing shortages within the Secret Service, requiring agents to work longer hours in a high-stakes protective role that leaves little margin for error.

A statement from the vice president's office acknowledged the demands of the role. "The Vice President is also a very active and involved Vice President, more so than recent officeholders," the statement said. "His unprecedented diplomatic role, for example, while critically important, has added new demands for a detail used to operating with lead times that are impossible in high-stakes diplomacy."

The Secret Service has not said when the investigation is expected to conclude or whether criminal charges will ultimately be filed.

Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.