US Security denies Obama being jeopardised in Columbia sex scandal

Washington, Apr 26 (ANI: US President Barack Obama's safety was not at risk by the vice scandal involving a dozen Secret Service agents in Colombia, a Senate panel has revealed.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano told the judiciary committee the misconduct on the part of the Secret Service agents was "inexcusable" but denied that safety or security of the president was jeopardised.

"The answer is 'no'. There was no risk," the BBC quoted Napolitano, as saying.he Secret Service agents were part of a team ahead of a visit by Obama to the 14-15 April Summit of the Americas at Columbia.

The scandal erupted after a Colombian woman said one of the agents had promised to pay 800 dollars (500 pounds) to spend the night with her, which followed by a heated argument between the prostitute and the agents the next morning over a hotel bill, which alerted the hotel authorities.

It later emerged up to 20 women were allegedly involved in the scandal.

Eight of the 12 agents have been sacked. A further 12 military personnel are being investigated, and have had their security clearance revoked.

"We will not allow the actions of a few to tarnish the proud legacy of the Secret Service. All 12 [agents] have either faced personnel action or been cleared of serious misconduct," Napolitano declared.

Interestingly, Obama described the sacked agents as "knuckleheads", but defended the Service as a whole as "incredible". (ANI)