On Monday night, a concerning incident unfolded as a suspected drunken driver drove toward Vice President Kamala Harris' motorcade while traveling the wrong way on an interstate in downtown Milwaukee. The 55-year-old Milwaukee man, driving an SUV, was observed heading westbound in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 94 at the Marquette Interchange, directly approaching the motorcade.
Deputies from the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office intervened just before 8:30 p.m., stopping the SUV as it neared the motorcade. Suspecting impairment, the deputies conducted field sobriety tests and found an open container of alcohol in the vehicle. Subsequently, the driver was taken into custody on recommended charges of operating while intoxicated and recklessly endangering safety.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the incident. The US Secret Service, responsible for the Vice President's security, acknowledged the situation and expressed gratitude to the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office for their swift response in apprehending the driver.
Amid the incident, Vice President Harris was engaged in campaign activities in Waukesha County with former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney, as well as making stops in Pennsylvania and Michigan, key battleground states in the presidential race.
This occurrence underscores the challenges faced by the US Secret Service during a demanding campaign season. Acting Director Ronald Rowe has highlighted the agency's need to adapt to an 'unprecedented and hyper-dynamic threat environment.' Recent security lapses have prompted calls for leadership changes within the Secret Service.
Notably, this incident follows a recent motorcade crash involving vehicles in Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz's entourage, where some passengers sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The safety and security of political figures remain a top priority amidst the heightened tensions of the ongoing election season.
