A Utah congressman said Tuesday it’s time for a fresh look at the Secret Service in the wake of a security breach at the White House, arguing it may be operating like a “political” office that’s too willing to pat its officers on the back.
Rep. Jason Chaffetz, Utah Republican, said the law enforcement agency charged with protecting the first family and an array of other duties operated much better during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, when it was under the Treasury Department.
It moved to the Department of Homeland Security in 2003, and a fence-jumper who breached the White House’s front door and raced through the main floor before he was subdued has raised knew questions about its operations.
“I worry about leadership, I worry about protocol, and I worry about training,” Mr. Chaffetz told MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” show.
The recent intruder, he added, seemed to bypass multiple rings of protection around the White House.
“Every single one of them seems to have failed,” Mr. Chaffetz said.
SEE ALSO: White House fence-jumper reached East Room: report
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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