A Cincinnati-area Secret Service agent assigned to Vice President J.D. Vance’s protective detail has been placed on administrative leave while the agency’s internal affairs unit digs into suspected leaks tied to recent reporting on the vice president’s travel. Officials say they have identified a possible source, although it is not yet clear whether the review will result in workplace discipline, criminal charges or something in between. The case lands close to home because Vance’s family and residence remain tied to the Cincinnati area.
Agent put on leave, internal review underway
As reported by ABC17 News, which republished a CNN Newsource wire, the Secret Service moved the agent to administrative leave while its internal affairs office conducts a formal review. A second source told ABC17 that officials believe they have pinpointed an individual who was leaking operational information to the press in connection with coverage of Vance and his family. The agency has not said whether the inquiry will ultimately trigger administrative penalties, a criminal referral, or neither.
The MS NOW report that drew scrutiny
The investigation traces back to an MS NOW story that quoted agents who said they were “fed up” with last-minute travel requests from the Vance family, including a proposed plan to fly Vance’s young son on Marine Two to a golf lesson that was later called off, as summarized by The Daily Beast. MS NOW highlighted images and excerpts of coins and stickers that reportedly mocked Vance’s Secret Service code name, “Bobcat,” and used those visuals to underscore frustration on the detail.
“When U.S. Secret Service special agents choose to join a protective detail, they understand the commitment required,” Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn told The Daily Beast while defending the professionalism of agents assigned to the vice president.
Officials say the story set off alarm bells
According to ABC17, the MS NOW piece quickly drew attention from officials at the Secret Service, the FBI and the White House, who were alarmed to see operational movements and related details laid out in public. The Secret Service’s internal affairs office is now leading the review. Spokespeople for the agency and for MS NOW did not immediately respond to ABC17’s requests for comment.
Why this matters now
The episode is unfolding as the administration is already on edge about leaks and national security reporting. Earlier this month, the Justice Department issued grand jury subpoenas tied to reporting on security features of a Qatari-gifted presidential aircraft, according to Associated Press coverage carried by NBC New York. That broader crackdown has turned leak investigations into a recurring flashpoint between federal authorities and major newsrooms.
Local context and what’s next
For Cincinnati readers, the Vance household has been a security story before. Earlier this year, Hoodline covered alleged vandalism at Vance's home that drew a Secret Service response.
The current internal review is ongoing. This story will be updated if the Secret Service, the Department of Justice, or Vance’s office release new information or take formal action in the case.
