U.S. President Joe Biden arrived at Osan Air Base in Gyeonggi Province on the afternoon of the 20th, disembarked from his official aircraft Air Force One, and boarded a car. Photo by Joint Press Corps
[Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] Two staff members related to the security detail of U.S. President Joe Biden, who were booked by the police on charges of assaulting a Korean citizen, have been repatriated to the United States.
On the 20th (local time), U.S. NBC, CBS, and other broadcasters reported, citing officials, that two employees of the U.S. Secret Service (SS) under the Department of Homeland Security were removed from duty and sent back to the U.S. Anthony Guliemi, SS Public Affairs Director, stated, "We are aware of the incident, and it may potentially be a violation of guidelines," adding, "The individuals will be placed on leave after their return."
The two SS staff members, who arrived in Seoul ahead of President Biden's visit, were booked and investigated on the night of the 19th for allegedly assaulting a Korean citizen while intoxicated during taxi boarding and alighting after visiting a bar.
CBS, citing sources, reported that after the police investigation, their repatriation was decided, and they boarded a flight to Washington D.C. around 4 p.m. Korean time on the 20th, one and a half hours before President Biden's arrival.
U.S. authorities are reportedly investigating the possibility of drug use based on the behavior exhibited by the individuals during the police investigation. According to regulations, SS staff responsible for presidential security are prohibited from consuming alcohol starting 10 hours before their duty begins.
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