Secret Service statement after major US news agencies report Biden 'security breach' in Belfast

By Mark Rainey
Published 13th Apr 2023, 14:53 BST
Updated 13th Apr 2023, 19:31 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
The Secret Service has responded to nationwide news coverage in the US that a “security breach” had taken place during President Joe Biden’s visit to Belfast on Wednesday.

Concerns were raised after a five-page PSNI ‘operational order’ was obtained by a member of the public and passed on to a media outlet.

The document is reported to contain details of officer deployment and road closures in the Belfast area during the visit, along with contact information.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

NBC reported the story under the headline: “Secret Service informed of ‘potentially sensitive document’ on Biden's travel reportedly found on Belfast street”.

US President Joe Biden pictured on his way to Ulster University in BelfastUS President Joe Biden pictured on his way to Ulster University in Belfast
US President Joe Biden pictured on his way to Ulster University in Belfast

The Fox News online headline said: “Northern Ireland police confirm 'security breach' around Biden trip after document found in street,” while the story on the Washington Examiner’s website had the headline: “Security documents related to Biden Northern Ireland visit found in Belfast street.”

Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson from the PSNI’s Operational Support Department said: “We have retrieved the original operational order documentation from a member of the public.

“An investigation has commenced and we will review our procedures on printing documentation.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“No personal details on the President, his officials or that of other dignitaries associated with the visit were included within the document.

“As is normal procedure, we have notified the Information Commissioners Office.”

Quoted by Fox News, US Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said the agency has been informed by the PSNI of "media reports regarding a potentially sensitive document, which may contain law-enforcement material."

He added: "While we do not discuss the specifics of any protective operation, the president's movements were not affected by these reports.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Guglielmi also referred to a separate statement issued by Jocelyn Keaveny – the special agent in charge of the Paris field office and the senior Secret Service official on the visit – who "expressed her highest confidence in our Irish and European partners and the ongoing security of the visit."

NBC also quoted Ms Keaveny, NBC as saying: "The Police Service of Northern Ireland is a truly dedicated partner, and we have the utmost confidence in the PSNI’s abilities to work side by side with our agency.”

President Biden left Belfast on Wednesday afternoon when he travelled to Dublin for a three-day visit to the Republic.