Secret Service Scandal: Peter King Defends Director Mark Sullivan Over Colombian Incident

WASHINGTON -- The chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee is defending the head of the Secret Service in the Colombian incident involving agents and prostitutes.

Congressman Peter King says this is no time to oust agency director Mark Sullivan, based on what is known so far about the recall of 11 agents from Colombia.

The New York Republican also tells NBC's "Today" show Tuesday that Sullivan "acted immediately" and says he thinks "it's wrong to be prejudging Mark Sullivan."

But King also says, quote, "It looks like we really lucked out on this," telling NBC it appears agents compromised presidential security with the partying that occurred in Colombia before President Barack Obama arrived for his summit in Cartagena, Colombia.

King says, "You don't allow a potential enemy into your security zone."

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Comments

[Matthew DAmato]

07:42 PM on 04/19/2012

Its good to know where our tax money is going.

[Kevin Krooss]

10:37 AM on 04/18/2012

Odd point in this "scandal". Prostitution is legal in that part of Columbia. No crimes were committed. The president wasn't in the country. It's hard to say exactly what rule these guys broke. There's no law against having sex. I'm sure the SS, like firemen, cops, and every other law enforcement agent uses their position to encourage young women to sleep with them all over the USA every evening. The confusion here was they didn't realize these women were "pros".

[afterallthat]

09:28 AM on 04/18/2012

What surprises me is that no one has acknowledged that in all likelihood the prostitutes were sex slaves. This makes this scandal all the more egregious.

[Unplugyourself]

09:17 AM on 04/18/2012

What people do in private is their business. But since they were on a mission with that level of security, one would hope they would avoid such taboo activities. Indeed their moral compass needs adjustment in the eyes of the world. They should resign. With our unemployment rate, it won't be difficult to replace them with someone who can make better decisions, pay their debts or keep their pants on.

[obe4]

07:36 AM on 04/18/2012

Was Peter one of the particapants,oh that does'nt sound good.

[Tom in FTL]

02:38 AM on 04/18/2012

Just like a Republican. Never does anything wrong. Try to spin his way out of it. Fire him and all the rest of the guys who were so irresponsible. Makes no sense to keep them.

[Razpooten]

01:15 AM on 04/18/2012

King says, "You don't allow a potential enemy into your security zone." - who is the enemy here? Does "loose lips sink ships" ring a bell?

[jacksparrow34]

12:07 AM on 04/18/2012

Oh no peter, how about you start some hearings on this issue and see if you can tie them all somehow to islamic people.

[Frog in a pot]

11:08 PM on 04/17/2012

Mark Sullivan was in charge when those party crashers got into the whitehouse party.Sullivan was a Bush appointee.Why he wasnt fired then is a mystery.

[Eyedee]

09:27 PM on 04/17/2012

Feeling so "lucky" these guys are our top dogs in Homeland Security. Can you feel it too?

[Justthom]

11:44 PM on 04/17/2012

Janet Incompetano is your "top dog" in Homeland Security, isn't she?

[HRHuffinpuffy]

08:33 PM on 04/17/2012

I am some what certain that Mark Sullivan did not tell the rank and file to go get laid and bring me the bill.

[DRouss3977]

08:21 PM on 04/17/2012

Peteie King endorsed Mark Sullivan this afternoon. Mark Sullivan was a Bushie, the Lesser appointee. I wonder if Peteie would have been so magnanimous if Sullivan was a Obama appointee? Betcha he wouldn't be so generous with his praise!

[jacksparrow34]

12:08 AM on 04/18/2012

You betcha!!

[Seymourhiney]

08:09 PM on 04/17/2012

Let's get facts, before anyone attacks anyone.

[Asti28]

08:02 PM on 04/17/2012

So hookers are okay but going to Vegas is not? Way to go Congress no wonder the government is so screwed up.

[Cailleach Echo]

08:01 PM on 04/17/2012

First, how does Peter King get reelected?

Second, WHY would anyone defend the head of the SS after this horrendous incident?

Mark Sulivan's people endangered my president and I want him replaced with someone who can control his people

[Justthom]

11:45 PM on 04/17/2012

Maybe they'll do a better job of protecting MY president when he takes office next January.