A Secret Service officer assigned to protect Vice President Kamala Harris got into a physical altercation with her colleagues earlier this week. The officer, identified as Michelle Herczeg, was removed from her duties on Wednesday after displaying erratic behavior and assaulting a superior officer while awaiting Harris’ departure from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Monday.
This is not the first time that Herczeg has been involved in a legal battle. In December 2016, the then-senior corporal with the Dallas Police Department filed a gender discrimination lawsuit against the city of Dallas. In her claim, Herczeg alleged that she was targeted for being a female officer and was treated less favorably than her male colleagues.
According to sources, on Monday morning Herczeg arrived at Joint Base Andrews and began deleting apps from a male agent’s personal cellphone. Her behavior became increasingly erratic, with her mumbling to herself, hiding behind curtains, and throwing menstrual pads and other items at another agent. She also told her colleagues that they were “going to burn in hell” and that they needed to “listen to God.”
When the special agent in charge tried to relieve Herczeg of her duties, she became physically violent. She allegedly shoved, tackled, and punched him. A source reported that Herczeg “snapped entirely.”
In her 2016 lawsuit, Herczeg claimed that she had been retaliated against for reporting sexual harassment and other wrongdoing by her colleagues. She alleged that after being assaulted by a male superior officer in May 2015, “intimidation tactics were used as investigative tools to persuade her from seeking criminal relief against the officer who assaulted her.” The lawsuit further stated that she was not allowed to return to a special crime reduction team and was denied overtime patrol shifts, causing her “stress and mental anguish.”
Additionally, Herczeg accused the Dallas PD of tolerating unprofessional behavior such as fraternization and unprofessional male and female working relationships. She claimed that this was due to an atmosphere that favored the male officer in charge, regardless of rank or ability.
Herczeg, who is an Air Force veteran, joined the Dallas PD in 2008. Despite her legal battle, she remained on the force until she was hired by the Secret Service to protect Vice President Harris.
In response to the incident at Joint Base Andrews, Herczeg was removed from her duties and placed on administrative leave. The Secret Service has not yet commented on the matter. Herczeg has also not responded to requests for comment on her role in the earlier lawsuit.
This incident has raised concerns about the rigorous screening process for Secret Service officers, who are responsible for protecting high-profile government officials. It also brings attention to the issue of gender discrimination and harassment within law enforcement agencies.
The city of Dallas has not issued a statement regarding Herczeg’s earlier lawsuit. However, this incident may prompt them to review their policies and procedures for handling gender discrimination and sexual harassment reports.
In recent years, there have been numerous reports of misconduct and wrongdoing by law enforcement officers. This case serves as a reminder that all officers, regardless of rank or gender, must be held accountable for their actions.
Vice President Harris has not yet commented on the incident. However, as the first female vice president in U.S. history, she has been a vocal advocate for gender equality and fair treatment of women in the workplace.
The Secret Service has a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of government officials. They must also ensure that their officers meet the highest standards of professionalism and conduct. As the investigation into this incident continues, it is imperative that all officers involved are held accountable for their actions.
