By Geoff Herbert
Syracuse Media Group
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Secret Service is investigating an agent who suggested she wouldn’t “take a bullet” for President Donald Trump if someone tried to assassinate him.
CNN reports Kerry O’Grady, a senior agent in Denver field office, said in a series of since-deleted Facebook posts that she supported Hillary Clinton, violating a federal law that bars agents from sharing political beliefs in public.
“As a public servant for nearly 23 years, I struggle not to violate the Hatch Act. So I keep quiet and skirt the median,” she wrote. “To do otherwise can be a criminal offense for those in my position. Despite the fact that I am expected to take a bullet for both sides...”
“But this world has changed and I have changed. And I would take jail time over a bullet or an endorsement for what I believe to be disaster to this country and the strong and amazing women and minorities who reside here. Hatch Act be damned. I am with Her.”
According to the Denver Post, O’Grady’s comments were made in October, shortly after a tape leaked with audio of Trump making lewd remarks about women. The social media posts were published by the Washington Examiner Tuesday and removed quickly afterwards from her personal page.
The Secret Service said Tuesday it was “aware of” the situation and “taking quick and appropriate action.” A person familiar with the matter told CNN they were trying to determine if her comments were made while working.
“All Secret Service agents and employees are held to the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct,” the agency said in a statement. “Any allegations of misconduct are taken seriously and swiftly investigated.”
It’s unclear whether O’Grady was ever assigned to protect Trump or anyone in his family or campaign. Secret Service agents memorably rushed to protect Trump during a speech in Reno on the final weekend before Election Day.