Secret Service Places Agents on Leave Over Charlie Kirk Post, Trump Club Gun Lapse

The U.S. Secret Service has placed an agent, Anthony Pough, on administrative leave after he posted negative comments on social media regarding the assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, stating Kirk "spewed hate and racism" and suggesting his death was "karma." Secret Service Director Sean Curran emphasized in a staff memo that politically motivated attacks are increasing and that employees must uphold the highest standards of conduct and avoid bias, as any distractions compromise their mission. Separately, the Secret Service is also reviewing a security breach at President Trump's Virginia golf club, where a semi-automatic Glock handgun was inadvertently brought into the facility during Trump's visit, leading to another agent's administrative leave. The agency stated that the individual carrying the gun was never in close proximity to Trump, but the incident has intensified scrutiny of the Secret Service's protective measures amid multiple recent security lapses. These events come amid heightened concerns following assassination attempts on President Trump and increased political tensions. The Secret Service is conducting comprehensive reviews of these incidents to improve security protocols and maintain trust.