A Freedom of Information Act lawsuit has been filed by Judicial Watch against the Department of Homeland Security, seeking records related to a physical altercation between a Secret Service agent and her supervisor at Joint Base Andrews in April.
The incident, which involved Agent Michelle Herczeg, led to her removal from Vice President Kamala Harris’s security detail. The lawsuit comes on the heels of a recent shooting attempt on former President Donald Trump, which has raised concerns about the agency’s management and quality of personnel.
According to reports, Herczeg attacked her superior, took a phone from another agent, and removed apps, claiming her colleagues would “burn in hell” if they didn’t listen to God. She was reportedly hired by the agency despite having lost a discrimination suit against a prior employer, the Dallas Police Department.
Judicial Watch is seeking records related to the incident, as well as policy documents related to the Secret Service’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The agency’s director, Kimberly Cheatle, has faced criticism for her handling of the shooting and her DEI policies, and is expected to face questioning on Capitol Hill next week.
The lawsuit follows a request made by Judicial Watch in April, which was not complied with by the Secret Service. The legal group is seeking transparency and accountability from the agency, citing the recent security failure that allowed the attempted assassination of former President Trump to occur.
