Security details for Donald Trump were leaked to an unsuspecting member of the public in a major blunder – however officials have denied that it could have endangered the president’s life
Security details for Donald Trump were accidentally shared with an unsuspecting member of the public in a massive security breach that could have potentially placed the world leader in significant danger.
The US President attended the men’s singles final at the US Open in New York last weekend, with the surrounding area swarming with secret service operatives, who were positioned at strategic locations in order to keep Trump safe.
One agent was deployed at the 545-bed Elmhurst Hospital Centre in Queens, also known as NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst. It was here that hospital staff initiated a group text conversation to discuss the enhanced security arrangements and procedures, reports the Express.
However, a hospital administrator mistakenly included a random member of the public in the chat, who had no connection to the medical facility.
The opening message, from a senior hospital administrator stated: “Happy Sunday…just updating.. a Secret Service agent from White House Medical Unit just called..will be posted by the hospital until around 6pm for usual precaution when #1 is passing via.
“We will get him situated per the usual plan. But no reason for action on your part..just awareness.”
Three hospital administrators replied to the message, with one responding: “Noted. Thank you.”
When the civilian – who prefers to stay anonymous – cottoned on that they had been mistakenly added to the discussion, they messaged: “Ummmm I am certainly not a part of this convo”.
A hospital administrator replied with the words “OK thanks”.
The civilian subsequently told reporters: “I could not believe it – I thought it was a prank. I looked up the numbers, and I could see how they were all medical officials in New York City.”
Officials firmly rejected claims that any significant security breach had occurred which might have put the US President’s life at risk.
A representative from NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst stated: “It’s no secret that NYC Health + Hospitals serves as the designated medical entity for US Presidents and other visiting dignitaries.
“As the largest municipal hospital system in the country, our mission is to care for all without exception.”
A United States Secret Service Official commented: “The U.S. Secret Service has a long-standing practice of assigning agents to medical facilities in support of protective visits. There was no security impact to this event and pre-event communication between the Secret Service and our partners is standard.”
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