US Secret Service agents recalled from Colombia

**russellsimpson** · 14th April 2012 23:06

Several Secret Service agents providing security for President Barack Obama in Colombia have been recalled, following allegations of misconduct.
The agency did not give details, but reports suggest the accusations involve prostitution in Cartagena, which is hosting the Summit of the Americas.
Agency spokesman Edwin Donovan told the BBC the agents had been replaced and Mr Obama's security would not be affected.
Mr Obama arrived in Colombia on Friday to attend the summit.
In a statement, Mr Donovan said the agency took allegations of misconduct "very seriously" and said an investigation had been launched.
"There have been allegations of misconduct made against Secret Service personnel in Cartagena, Colombia prior to the President's trip," he said.
"Because of this, those personnel are being relieved of their assignments, returned to their place of duty, and are being replaced by other Secret Service personnel."
According to The Washington Post, 12 agents were recalled, and at least one was suspected of involvement with prostitutes.
More than 30 leaders are in the Colombian port city for the summit, which will see talks on economic policy and trade.
The BBC's Arturo Wallace in the capital Bogota says that, even before the incident with the agents, the summit seemed likely to be an awkward one for the US government, with debates on the legalisation of drugs and sanctions against Cuba promised.
Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa is boycotting the summit because of Cuba's exclusion, and the attendance of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is in doubt.
Earlier, Colombian police said two small explosions took place in Cartagena, but caused no casualties or damage.
Those explosions followed at least one other blast in Bogota near the US embassy, officials said.

---Update---

This is interesting in the respect that White house officials have publicized it.

Normally something like this would be under the carpet stuff

.....................

Really is an internal affair.

Somebody trying to cover their ass just in case the worst happens?

---Update---

BBC News - US Secret Service agents recalled from Colombia

**Don Ho** · 14th April 2012 23:25

And this concerns you because...? Oh yeah, you're infatuated with the States. I'd say you should immigrate but with your name being on record and all I guess it's impossible now.

**russellsimpson** · 14th April 2012 23:46

Originally Posted by Don Ho

And this concerns you because...?

Just reporting news....

Are you another JD want to be?

Why the hell is it that Americans think the worlds business is their business but American news is nobody else's business?

---Update---

Originally Posted by Don Ho

I'd say you should immigrate but with your name being on record and all I guess it's impossible now.

I'd never emigrate to the States.

Any record I may have would be of little concern to me.

I love Arizona...

Maybe spend a few months during the winter next year down there.

Drop me in Douglas...........

**Skye** · 19th April 2012 15:26

From today's online edition of a Bangkok-based newspaper:

"Like diplomats or tourists, secret service personnel also represent America. Therefore, President Obama was very circumspect in commenting about the officials who provide him with security. He said that if the allegation was true, he would be very angry. That was all. In fact, he may put his own life in danger if he comments in ways that are deemed condescending by the officials."

US secret service must keep in mind good behaviour - The Nation

Dear America: Is this really the case?
Dear The Nation: Are you able to name these officials? Or do you mean "officials representing America in general"? Or do you mean "officials representing America must be like officials representing another country"? Exactly what do you mean? The final sentence in the quotation reads like a veiled threat: who is it targetting? Foreign readers? Maybe Thai readers . . . ?

**Jimmy Mulga** · 19th April 2012 15:34

I thought I read somewhere that one of the agents had had a loud barney with a prostitute at the hotel.

**Bubba** · 19th April 2012 19:53

Some off-duty secret service guys do some coke and get into and argument with a hooker in a Cartagena hotel. A complete non-story. What else is happening that we should be paying more attention to ?

**fred flintstone** · 19th April 2012 20:26

I think it's the GOP trying to stir up a scandal for Obama. It could be successful if the coke allegations turn out to be true and wide spread.
Hookers don't matter.