Armed Security Guard Claims Close Encounter with Obama in L.A. Alleyway

The incident took place in an alleyway next to a restaurant where Obama was dining with his daughters. The security guard stated that he saw Obama working on a laptop inside the SUV and panicked upon recognizing him, fearing that his weapon could attract unwanted attention from the Secret Service. Following the encounter, Secret Service agents approached the guard to verify his credentials and license to carry a concealed weapon. The agency later refuted the guard’s claims, asserting that no protectees were in the vehicle at the time of the encounter. This situation has raised questions about the effectiveness of the Secret Service’s protective measures, especially in light of recent high-profile security incidents involving other former presidents.

Key Details of the Encounter

• Location and Context: The guard was working security for a bar mitzvah above a restaurant in Los Angeles when he approached the SUV.
• Security Guard’s Claims: He described the situation as a “security lapse,” noting the absence of agents near the vehicle at that moment.
• Secret Service Response: The agency stated that the claims were inaccurate and confirmed that no protectees were present in the SUV during the encounter.

Implications for Secret Service Protocols

The incident has sparked discussions about the adequacy of security protocols for former presidents, particularly given recent events that have called the Secret Service’s effectiveness into question. The scrutiny comes at a time when the agency is already facing criticism for its handling of security during a rally for former President Donald Trump, where there were attempts on his life.