A recently released Homeland Security inspector general report has revealed alarming details about Secret Service failures during the January 6 Capitol riot.

The report, obtained by Just the News, exposes previously redacted information that shows how the agency's actions potentially endangered then-Vice President Mike Pence and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.

The newly unredacted passages disclose that Pence's escape vehicle left its designated position without explicit permission, leaving the Vice President stranded amid escalating violence at the Capitol.

Additionally, the report highlights communication breakdowns, inadequate security preparations, and a failure to deploy necessary explosives detection teams, raising serious questions about the Secret Service's readiness for high-risk events.

Pence's Perilous Situation During Capitol Riot

The report reveals that Pence's escape vehicle departed from its post without explicit authorization from the detail leader. This decision was made due to communication delays and the rapidly deteriorating situation outside the Capitol.

The transportation agent reportedly described it as the "hardest call I've had to make."

For nearly 12 minutes between the breach and Pence's relocation, only three individuals were guarding the stairway used for the evacuation route: the site agent, detail supervisor, and one U.S. Capitol Police officer. This limited manpower left the Vice President vulnerable to potential threats.

The redacted passages also indicate that Pence was without an escape vehicle for almost half an hour, further highlighting the precarious nature of his situation during the riot.

Communication Failures And Inadequate Planning

One of the most significant issues exposed in the report was the failure of basic communication tools used by the Secret Service. Radio and cell phone reception problems hampered coordination efforts, leaving agents unable to effectively communicate during the crisis.

The Secret Service's planning for the January 6 event was also criticized in the report. Despite receiving intelligence warnings of potential violence, the agency relied on routine security preparations typically used for congressional visits. This included limiting the protective detail to just five agents inside the Capitol building, as preferred by Capitol Police.

Furthermore, the agency failed to conduct a thorough pre-evaluation of potential security risks or exit routes. This lack of preparation contributed to the confusion that ensued when Pence's motorcade vacated the Capitol without a clearly designated rendezvous point.

Harris's Close Encounter With Undetected Pipe Bomb

The report also sheds light on a dangerous situation involving then-Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. According to the redacted passages, Harris was taken within close proximity of a live pipe bomb during a visit to the Democratic National Committee headquarters shortly before the Capitol breach.

The Secret Service failed to detect the pipe bomb because normal sweep procedures were not followed. The report cites confusion about areas of responsibility and insufficient guidance on exterior sweeps as contributing factors to this oversight.

Additionally, the agency violated its two-technology rule for security sweeps, relying solely on a canine unit for the search. The report notes that the Secret Service has since updated its policies to address these shortcomings.

Ignored Intelligence Warnings Of Potential Violence

Perhaps most concerning is the revelation that the Secret Service received multiple warnings of potential violence in the weeks leading up to January 6. These warnings came from various sources, including the U.S. Postal Service Inspection Service and the FBI.

The Postal Inspection Service report warned of individuals being "heavily armed" and alluded to potential acts of violence. The FBI alert, based on an anonymous tip, specifically mentioned plans by the Proud Boys to march on Washington, D.C., "with guns" and attempt to "outnumber the police."

Despite receiving this intelligence, the Secret Service did not adequately prepare for the possibility of increased violence, maintaining its standard security protocols for the event.

Conclusion

The unredacted portions of the Homeland Security inspector general report reveal significant failures by the Secret Service during the January 6 Capitol riot. These include the unauthorized departure of Pence's escape vehicle, communication breakdowns, inadequate security planning, and ignored intelligence warnings. The report exposes vulnerabilities in the agency's operations and highlights the need for improved protocols to ensure the safety of high-profile protectees during crisis situations. The revelations raise serious questions about the Secret Service's readiness and decision-making processes in high-risk scenarios.