The U.S. Secret Service has issued an apology to the owner of a Massachusetts salon after agents entered the establishment without permission to use the bathroom during a security sweep.

The incident, which occurred during preparations for a Kamala Harris fundraiser, left the salon owner feeling violated and resulted in an apology from the Secret Service more than a week later, as Breitbart reports.

On July 27, Alicia Powers, owner of Four One Three Salon in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, closed her business at the request of the Secret Service.

The closure was due to Vice President Kamala Harris’s scheduled appearance at the nearby Colonial Theatre. Earlier in the week, agents had inspected the area, including Powers' salon.

Security Sweep Leads to Unauthorized Salon Entry

Despite the salon being closed and securely locked, Secret Service agents returned, placed tape over a security camera, and entered the building without obtaining permission. Surveillance footage captured an agent covering the camera and multiple emergency medical and law enforcement personnel entering the salon.

These individuals stayed in the salon for nearly two hours, using the bathroom, counter, and other areas while the security alarm blared. Powers returned to find her door unlocked, tape still on the camera, and her space used without consent.

Later that day, an emergency medical services (EMS) worker informed Powers that a Secret Service agent had directed personnel to use the salon's restroom.

Powers was distressed to learn from her landlord, Brian Smith, that the agents did not have permission to enter the premises.

Owner’s Shock and Displeasure

Powers expressed her frustration, stating, “They had a bunch of people in and out of here doing a couple of bomb sweeps again -- totally understand what they have to do, due to the nature of the situation.”

She further elaborated, “There were several people in and out for about an hour-and-a-half -- just using my bathroom, the alarms going off, using my counter, with no permission. And then when they were done using the bathroom for two hours, they left, and left my building completely unlocked, and did not take the tape off the camera.”

Powers felt that if asked, she would have cooperated willingly. “Whoever was visiting, whether it was a celebrity or not, I probably would’ve opened the door and made them coffee and brought in donuts to make it a great afternoon for them. But they didn’t even have the audacity to ask for permission. They just helped themselves,” she lamented.

Response From the Secret Service

Secret Service spokeswoman Melissa McKenzie acknowledged that communication with Powers has taken place since the incident, emphasizing the importance of their relationship with the business community.

“The Secret Service has since communicated with the affected business owner. We hold these relationships in the highest regard and our personnel would not enter, or instruct our partners to enter, a business without the owner’s permission,” McKenzie stated.

Alicia Powers received an official apology from the head of the Secret Service’s Boston field office over a week after the incident. The agent admitted the actions taken were inappropriate and assured Powers that they were not supposed to tape her camera or enter without permission.

Powers was offered compensation for the inconvenience caused. The agent proposed paying for the salon to be cleaned and covering that day's alarm company bill, further expressing a willingness to visit the shop to apologize in person.

Conclusion

The Secret Service’s unauthorized entry into Four One Three Salon has stirred emotions and highlighted the importance of respecting local businesses, even during high-level security operations.

Despite the security needs surrounding the Vice President's visit, the incident underscores the necessity for communication and consent.

The apology and offer of compensation represent attempts to make amends and acknowledge the significance of these community relationships.