The Secret Service is once again being called into question after an armed man unknowingly approached former President Barack Obama's SUV in a Hollywood alleyway.
The incident took place outside the popular restaurant Mother Wolf, where the former president was seated in the back of his vehicle. The armed man, a security guard working at a nearby bar mitzvah, approached the SUV without realizing who was inside and came within inches of the former president before retreating.
According to TMZ, the breach in Obama's security happened over the weekend, raising concerns about the agency's protection of the former president. The guard later revealed that no one was stationed at the rear of the SUV, leaving it vulnerable.
Before noticing the presence of Secret Service agents nearby, the man was working at a bar mitzvah and was unaware that he had come within inches of the former president.
The guard, whose name has not been released, went downstairs to investigate after being told that federal agents were outside. Once he stepped into the alley, he saw two men who turned out to be Secret Service agents and a black SUV with Department of Homeland Security plates.
Curious, he snapped a quick photo, assuming a high-profile guest was inside. As he approached the vehicle, he was shocked to discover that Obama was sitting in the backseat, focused on his laptop.
Realizing the severity of the situation, the armed guard quickly retreated, scared that the Secret Service might perceive him as a threat. He greeted the agents, who seemed startled by his presence, and returned upstairs to his post at the bar mitzvah. About 30 minutes later, his boss requested that he hand over his credentials and concealed carry license to the Secret Service. After verifying the guard's information, the agents let the situation pass without further consequence.
A significant lapse in security
The security guard later reflected on the event, calling it a significant error from the Secret Service.
"Definitely a security lapse on their part that there was no one on the backside of SUV, nor covering the stairwell," said the man. He speculated that if he had been a genuine threat, he could have potentially opened the car door, exposing Obama to danger.
Obama later continued his evening with daughters Malia and Sasha at the restaurant.
The Secret Service has recently received intense criticism following major security incidents during Donald Trump's current campaign, including two assassination attempts.
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