Former President Barack Obama‘s Secret Service security detail has been accused of a major lapse outside a star-studded Los Angeles bar mitzvah.
Obama was being guarded by his protective detail inside a black SUV on a trip to LA when an armed man said he approached the vehicle.
He was there checking on the situation in his capacity as a security guard for the bar mitzvah, after being informed there were federal agents stationed outside, TMZ reported.
Upon approaching, he says he came across the government vehicle, then snapped an image of it, only to see the former president seated in the passenger side of the vehicle.
He said he quickly walked away, aware that he was carrying a weapon, which might be perceived as a threat by Obama’s protective detail.
The agency is on alert for threats after two assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump, and has been tightening up presidential protection. (The Senate on Tuesday passed legislation to boost Secret Service protection for federal candidates).
Former President Barack Obama ‘s Secret Service security detail has been accused of a major lapse
The man, who didn’t want his name used, says he greeted the agents protecting Obama, then returned to the bar mitzvah. Later, he says his boss asked him to provide his credentials and concealed carry permit for review, the outlet reported – an indication Obama’s guards felt the need to follow up.
The president’s adult daughters Malia, 26, and Sasha, 23, were joining their dad for dinner at Mother Wolf, rated a top upscale pizza restaurant.
Even though he meant no harm, the unidentified guard indicated his ability to get close to the former president with a weapon was a lapse. He said of his interactions with the agents on the detail, ‘I think they were obviously embarrassed by the situation.’
The office of the former president declined to comment. DailyMail.com has sought comment from the Secret Service, which was the subject of a scathing report by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on security failures leading up to the assassination attempt on Donald Trump at his Butler, Pennsylvania rally.
The interaction involving Obama’s detail happened at 7:30 on September 21st.
The event happened hours after Biden hosted his first solo fundraiser for Vice President Kamala Harris, helping haul in $4 million for her presidential campaign.
That event was held at the home of former Obama ambassador to Spain James Costos and his partner Michael Smith,
James Costos, who served as the U.S. ambassador to Spain and Andorra under Obama, and his partner, Michael S. Smith, who served as White House decorator under Obama.