A Manhattan software developer was arrested and charged with damaging the license plate covers on two SUVs belonging to a Secret Service detail assigned to Vice President Kamala Harris’ stepdaughter. The incident occurred outside a Tribeca restaurant where the vehicles were parked.
The man, 45, approached the unmarked vehicles and broke off their license plate covers. The vehicles belonged to Secret Service agents assigned to protect the vice president's stepdaughter, Ella Emhoff, who was dining at a nearby restaurant. Video footage captured the man being led away in handcuffs.
According to a criminal complaint, the arrested individual appeared to be a supporter of a group of citizen activists who highlight and address the issue of obstructed license plates used by motorists to evade tolls and traffic enforcement in New York.
The Secret Service confirmed that no protectee was in danger during the incident. The arrested individual was charged with obstructing governmental administration and criminal mischief.
Drivers in New York often use illegal plate covers to avoid tolling systems and traffic cameras. In response, citizen activists have taken measures to address this issue, including repairing and restoring license plates that have been tampered with.
The editor of Streetsblog NYC popularized these efforts with videos showing the restoration of license plates. The group focuses on repairing the plates of law enforcement officers and court personnel parked near police precincts and courthouses.
The arrested individual had posted about obscured license plates and illegally parked police vehicles in Manhattan. While acknowledging a sense of responsibility, the activists emphasize the importance of road safety and compliance with the law.
The Secret Service did not provide a reason for the license plate covers on the vehicles. The editor of Streetsblog NYC expressed concerns about public officials breaking the law and emphasized the public's role in ensuring road safety.
