Top Secret Service officials are out of their jobs following months of scandal at the law enforcement agency, sources said on Wednesday.
Four senior officials – responsible for investigations, technology, protections and public affairs – are being asked to leave their posts, though they could still technically stay with the Secret Service, a person at the agency said.
Secret Service Director Julia Pierson resigns
The four officials identified by the source: Dale Pupillo, Jane Murphy, Paul Morrissey, and Mark Copanzzi.
A fifth official, assistant director Vic Erevia, is retiring, though the agency said his retirement is unrelated to the problems the Secret Service has been facing.
The Secret Service was beset with problems at the end of last year after security breaches at the White House and on President Barack Obama’s detail. The worst example came when a man armed with a small knife made it through the North Portico door and into the White House residence.
The episode caused consternation among lawmakers, who demanded the agency’s director testify on Capitol Hill. That director, Julia Pierson, was soon out, replaced by the former head of Obama’s protective division, Joe Clancy.
“Based on the independent panel review, and my own assessments, I will be implementing leadership changes in the Secret Service management team,” Clancy said in a statement on Wednesday. “Change is necessary to gain a fresh perspective on how we conduct business. I am certain any of our senior executives will be productive and valued assets either in other positions at the Secret Service or the department.”
The departures were first reported by The Washington Post.
Interim Secret Service Director testifies on agency’s failures
