Secret Service’s unlawful entry, taped cameras: What unfolded at US Salon ahead of Kamala Harris’ fundraiser

The U.S. Secret Service has issued an apology to a Massachusetts salon owner after agents unlawfully entered her establishment and used the facilities without permission in preparation for a fundraiser attended by Vice President Kamala Harris.

Unauthorized Entry and Camera Tampering

The incident occurred when Alicia Powers, the owner of the salon, discovered that Secret Service agents had not only accessed her property without consent but had also covered her security cameras with duct tape. The agents reportedly picked the lock to enter the building and then permitted various individuals to use the salon’s bathroom over a span of two hours.

Powers, who was aware that her salon needed to be closed for security reasons due to the high-profile event, was not informed about the additional actions taken by the Secret Service. “They had a bunch of people in and out of here doing bomb sweeps, which I completely understand due to the nature of the situation,” Powers shared with Business Insider. “But my team felt it was chaotic, so we decided to close for Saturday.”

Footage and Aftermath

Footage from the salon’s Ring security camera at the front door captured a Secret Service agent approaching the entrance with a roll of tape. After noticing the locked door and the camera, the agent reportedly grabbed a nearby chair, stood on it, and taped over the camera to obstruct its view.

“There were several people in and out for about an hour-and-a-half, using my bathroom, setting off alarms, and using my counter, all without permission,” Powers told Business Insider. “When they were done using the bathroom, they left the building unlocked and did not remove the tape from my camera”, as quoted in a report by Fox News.

Unwarranted Use of Premises

Powers later learned from an EMS worker that the Secret Service agent in charge of security that day had instructed people to use her salon’s bathroom. Despite the Secret Service initially stating that their agents “would not” have entered the building without permission, they acknowledged that one agent had indeed taped over the security camera.Powers expressed her frustration at the lack of communication and respect shown by the agents. “Whoever was visiting, whether it was a celebrity or not, I probably would’ve opened the door, made them coffee, and brought in donuts to make it a great afternoon for them,” she said. “But they didn’t even have the audacity to ask for permission. They just helped themselves.”

Landlord’s Disapproval and Apology

The building’s landlord, Brian Smith, confirmed that no one had authorized the Secret Service officers to enter the premises. “My dad and I own the building, and no one gave the Secret Service permission to use or enter it,” Smith stated, as quoted in a report by Fox News.

After the incident was reported to the Secret Service, Powers received an apology from a representative of the agency’s Boston field office. “He admitted that everything was done wrong,” Powers recounted. “They were not supposed to tape my camera without permission, nor were they supposed to enter the building without permission.”

The incident has raised concerns about the conduct of the Secret Service and the importance of respecting private property, even during high-security events. The apology, while appreciated, highlights the need for better communication and adherence to protocol by security personnel.

FAQs:

Is Kamala Harris the youngest vice president?

The youngest current vice president is Kamala Harris, born on October 20, 1964, making her 59 years and 294 days old. The shortest-lived vice president was Daniel D. Tompkins, who passed away at 50 years and 355 days old, just 99 days after leaving office.

Who is the youngest to become president?

The median age of U.S. presidents at the time of their inauguration is 55 years. Theodore Roosevelt holds the record as the youngest president, assuming office at 42 following the assassination of William McKinley. Joe Biden, inaugurated at 78, is the oldest person to ever become president.