A Secret Service Uniformed Division officer allegedly fell asleep while on duty during last week’s United Nations General Assembly, leaving his semi-automatic rifle unattended during a brief bathroom break, according to multiple law enforcement sources.
New York Police Department (NYPD) officers reportedly witnessed the lapse and photographed the unattended firearm.
They reported the incident to their superiors at the multi-agency command center, which included representatives from both the NYPD and the Secret Service, according to RealClearPolitics reporter Susan Crabtree, who first broke the story.
A spokesperson for the Secret Service confirmed the officer was immediately removed from operational duties and returned to Washington, D.C., where he has been placed on administrative leave pending a disciplinary review.
“The U.S. Secret Service is aware of a Sept. 25 incident involving a Uniformed Division officer assigned to security near the United Nations General Assembly who reportedly left a firearm unattended for a brief period in a secure zone,” the statement read, per The Gateway Pundit.
“Leadership acted immediately. Individuals found to have violated professional standards will face disciplinary measures.”
The alleged lapse occurred amid other reported security challenges at the UN General Assembly.
Resist the Mainstream previously reported that a Trump administration official in the Department of Health and Human Services was reportedly stalked, verbally harassed, recorded and physically assaulted by an individual described as a “deranged leftist.”
The suspect was arrested on the scene, though sources questioned how the individual was able to bypass multiple layers of security.
In a separate incident, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump encountered a potential safety hazard when an escalator in the UN building reportedly stopped suddenly as they stepped onto it.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called for an immediate investigation, demanding that any staff responsible be identified and held accountable.
President Trump later urged that the staff involved face criminal consequences.
Security experts note that these incidents highlight the importance of strict adherence to operational protocols, particularly when protecting high-profile officials in crowded international venues.
Observers emphasized that lapses, such as leaving a firearm unattended or mechanical failures affecting access points, can compromise safety and create vulnerabilities that adversaries could exploit.
The Secret Service confirmed that the officer’s firearm was secured and that a full review of operational procedures is underway.
Leadership stressed that compliance with professional standards is critical to safeguarding both domestic and visiting dignitaries, and that strict supervision is necessary to maintain public confidence in the agency’s operations.
Officials added that the General Assembly presents unique challenges, as large-scale international events involve dense crowds, multiple government agencies and high-profile figures, making it imperative that all security personnel remain vigilant.
Observers said these incidents should prompt agencies to evaluate training protocols, supervision practices and emergency response procedures.
The alleged sleep incident, combined with the escalator stoppage and the assault on the HHS official, underscores ongoing concerns about protecting U.S. officials abroad.
Experts caution that while individual errors may occur, repeated lapses can undermine public trust and increase the risk of harm to government personnel and visiting leaders.
