US secret service laptop stolen in New York, reports claim

The agent’s computer contains floor plans for Trump Tower, according to local media

A view of Trump Tower  in New York, US. File photograph: Justin Lane
A view of Trump Tower in New York, US. File photograph: Justin Lane

The US secret service said on Friday a laptop was stolen from an agent's car in New York City but that such agency-issued computers contain multiple layers of security and are not permitted to contain classified information. The agency said in a statement that it was withholding additional comment while an investigation continues.

ABC News, citing law enforcement sources, said the laptop contained floor plans for Trump Tower, details on the criminal investigation of Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server and other national security information.

The New York Daily News, citing police sources, said authorities had been searching for the laptop since it was stolen on Thursday morning from the agent's vehicle in the New York City borough of Brooklyn.

Some items stolen with the laptop, including coins and a black bag with the secret service insignia on it, were later recovered, the newspaper reported.

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CBS News, also citing law enforcement sources, said that some of the documents on the computer included important files on Pope Francis.

The agent also told investigators that while nothing about the White House or foreign leaders is stored on the laptop, the information there could compromise national security, the Daily News reported.

– (Reuters)