Tomas Escotto, a current U.S. Secret Service agent on Vice President JD Vance’s protective detail, was recorded on hidden camera providing an undercover journalist with sensitive security information, including protective formations, shift schedules, travel plans, & real-time locations.
The agent, Tomas Escotto, a Biden-era holdover, stated he voted for Joe Biden and said he “hates ICE,” expressing opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
The Secret Service agent detailed how the Vice President is physically surrounded, described multiple daily shift changes, & disclosed advance security procedures. In addition to past movements, the agent revealed future travel plans, sometimes days in advance. Escotto even sent images from Air Force Two while onboard with the Vice President. Despite acknowledging that he signed paperwork prohibiting the disclosure of sensitive information, the Secret Service agent repeatedly shared details with someone he believed was a casual romantic interest.
While the safety of the Vice President and his family was always our top priority, what OMG uncovered raises serious questions about operational security, protocol compliance, and oversight within the U.S. Secret Service. Our team coordinated with the U.S. Secret Service ahead of publication, redacted sensitive operational details at their request. We were just informed Tomas Escotto has been placed on administrative leave with his clearance suspended and access to agency facilities and systems revoked.
U.S. Secret Service Response
Prior to our publication, U.S. Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn issued an internal workforce memo acknowledging the failure of the agent stating,
To the Men and Woman of the Secret Service,
Over the past several months, an agency employee was deliberately targeted and manipulated by a citizen-journalism media organization that misrepresented itself in an effort to get close to the employee and expose sensitive information. This is the second time in less than a year that our personnel have been subjected to this same deceptive tactic.
Sadly in this instance, the employee failed to meet the standards demanded of this agency and engaged in conduct that runs counter to our values, our policies, and the training we provide to prevent exactly this type of compromise.
I recognize that situations like this can involve real personal pressures, and I do not dismiss the gravity of that. Still, I am disappointed in how this was handled and in the impact it will have on others. When one person falls short, it places an added burden on colleagues who are left to rebuild trust that each of us works hard every day to earn and protect.
The truth is, the overwhelming majority of you get this right. You show up with professionalism, humility, and a deep respect for the privacy of those we protect. You embody service over self, and you honor the discretion that our protectees deserve.
That discretion is not negotiable. Discretion and respect for privacy are fundamental to this work and to the trust placed in us. If someone cannot meet that expectation consistently, then this may not be the right type of profession for them. I would ask those individuals to take a moment to reevaluate why they are here and why we do this job. Our mission demands a higher standard, and we owe it to each other and to those we protect to uphold it.
To the overwhelming majority — the quiet professionals exceeding the standard every day — thank you for your support, service, and sacrifice.
Matthew Quinn
Deputy Director
Deputy Director Quinn also provided a response directly to O’Keefe Media Group stating they have no tolerance for the behavior exhibited and that the agent is “on administrative leave with his clearance suspended and access to agency facilities and systems revoked.”
“The U.S. Secret Service has no tolerance for any behavior that could potentially compromise the safety, privacy or trust of our protectees. This incident is under investigation and the employee involved has been placed on administrative leave with his clearance suspended and access to agency facilities and systems revoked. The U.S. Secret Service has also issued an order for all personnel to retake the agency’s required anti-espionage training… The U.S. Secret Service deeply apologizes to the Vance family for this violation of their trust and privacy. We are committed to taking the necessary actions to ensure that a similar breach does not occur again.”
Important Note on Redactions: Out of an abundance of caution and in direct consultation with the U.S. Secret Service, we have redacted and omitted specific operational details prior to publication. This includes precise security formations, exact shift-change times, tactical descriptions of equipment or positions, identifying travel routes, staging areas, advance timelines, and sensitive imagery that could expose vulnerabilities. We have described these matters only in broad terms to avoid any potential risk to the Vice President, his family, or national security.
This conduct raises serious concerns about compliance with Secret Service policy and federal law. Agents are strictly prohibited from disclosing protected details to unauthorized individuals. Escotto himself acknowledged in messages that he is bound by non-disclosure agreements warning of serious consequences for violations, including potential damage to the United States or exploitation by adversaries (under laws such as 18 U.S.C. § 793).
This incident is particularly concerning given recent security issues, such as the break-in at JD Vance’s Ohio home.
Our goal in publishing this report with substantial redactions made at the Secret Service’s request is to highlight vulnerabilities, strengthen protective practices, and prevent future risks to the Vice President, his family, and national security.
We continue our mission to empower citizen journalists and hold the powerful accountable. Stories like this one are only possible because of your support but we need more help to keep training fearless citizen journalists, funding undercover operations, and exposing the truth that legacy media will not touch. If you would like to help support us please consider making a tax deductible donation at https://donate.citizenjournalismfoundation.com/donate
