Watch CBS News

NY Rep. King Calls Alleged Actions Of Secret Service Members 'Irresponsible'

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- President Barack Obama says he expects the investigation of Secret Service misconduct in Colombia to be thorough and rigorous, and says he will "be angry'' if the allegations turn out to be true.

The scandal involving Secret Service agents and prostitutes overshadowed Obama's diplomatic work at a major summit this weekend in Colombia. The alleged misconduct took place before Obama arrived.

Eleven Secret Service agents were sent home. Five U.S. military service members were also alleged to have been involved in the incident.

But New York Rep. Peter King, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, is alarmed that anyone was allowed access inside a secured area.

"One of those prostitutes could be paid by terror to infiltrate and hear what's going on," King said. "It's irresponsible."

Members of Congress are now threatening to investigate, but the Secret Service insists its procedures ensured that the president and his party were never in danger.

The president arrived back at the White House late Sunday night after making his first comments about the scandal.

"I expect that investigation to be thorough, and I expect it to be rigorous. If it turns out that some of the allegations that have been made in the press are confirmed, then of course I'll be angry," he said. "We are representing the people of the United States, and when we travel to another country, I expect us to observe the highest standards.''

The accused agents have been interviewed by the Secret Service and are now on administrative leave. The five service members were also disciplined in the incident.

Please share your thoughts below....

(TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.