House Judiciary Committee to CDC: Why Was a Felon Given a Firearm & Hired as a Security Guard?

Washington, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Ranking Member John Conyers (D-Mich.), Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wisc.), and Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Subcommittee Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-Va.) today sent a letter to the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Dr. Tom Frieden, regarding the September 16^th incident in which an armed security contractor with an alleged criminal record was allowed on an elevator with the President during a visit to the CDC. In the letter, Chairman Goodlatte, Ranking Member Conyers, Crime Subcommittee Chairman Sensenbrenner, and Crime Subcommittee Ranking Member Scott write:

“Dear Dr. Frieden,

“As you know, it has been reported that on September 16, 2014, an armed security contractor with an alleged criminal record was allowed on an elevator with the President during a visit to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  As you also may know, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) prohibits felons, certain misdemeanants, and others from possessing a firearm for any purpose.   

“Given the extremely sensitive nature of the work performed at the CDC, we are deeply concerned that a convicted criminal appears to have been given a firearm and put in a position of trust at your headquarters.  In order to facilitate our oversight responsibilities, please respond to the following questions by October 30, 2014:  

1. Is the security at the CDC provided by the Federal Protective Service (FPS)?  Was the security officer involved in the September 16 incident a contractor or a federal employee?
2. Prior to the September 16 incident, did the CDC or FPS conduct a background check into the security officer?  Did any such check reveal a criminal history?
3. What are the security officer’s prior convictions? Is he a prohibited possessor under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) because he was a convicted felon, had committed a domestic violence misdemeanor, or for any other reason?
4. What is the CDC doing in response to the September 16 incident to ensure that its facilities are properly protected? 

“Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We appreciate your prompt response.”

Earlier this month, senior members of the House Judiciary Committee sent a letter to Acting Secret Service Director Joseph Clancy seeking answers to over a dozen questions regarding a series of security breaches that occurred at the White House complex and during official travel. The House Judiciary Committee, which has primary jurisdiction over the Secret Service’s functions, including its critical role in protecting the President and the White House complex, will hold both public and classified hearings in November to examine ongoing issues at the agency.

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