Revelations from a memoir
A Secret Service agent, identified only as ‘Dale,’ has been dismissed after his ex-girlfriend, Koryeah Dwanyen, exposed their unauthorized visit to the Obamas’ Hawaii property in her memoir Undercover Heartbreak: a Memoir of Trust and Trauma. Dwanyen recounted that in 2022, ‘Dale’ showed her photos of the estate and invited her to accompany him, suggesting they have an intimate encounter in Michelle Obama’s bathroom.
Agent’s conduct and investigation
The Secret Service confirmed that ‘Dale’ breached security protocols by bringing an unauthorized person to a protectee’s home. Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi stated that while the Obamas were not present during the incident, the agent’s actions were “an unacceptable violation of our protocols” and undermined trust in the agency. ‘Dale’ was suspended immediately and later fired after a thorough investigation.
Details of breaches and whistleblower report
Dwanyen’s memoir highlights ‘Dale’s’ behavior, including lying about personal matters and disclosing sensitive information. She described his sharing of the Obamas’ code names and private schedules, along with details about other high-profile figures like Vice President Mike Pence. Concerned for security, Dwanyen reported the agent’s actions to his superior using contact information she had obtained from their communication.
Broader secret service concerns
This incident adds to growing criticism of the Secret Service. A recent independent report on the attempted assassination of Donald Trump in July 2023 pointed out significant flaws in the agency. The 52-page report cited a “loss of public confidence” and warned of potential future incidents if substantial reforms are not implemented. The findings underscore the need for rigorous internal oversight to prevent similar breaches in the future.
