Criminal probe launched into missing Secret Service texts

DHS watchdog has launched criminal probe into destruction of Jan. 6 Secret Service text messages, sources say

The saga of the missing Secret Service texts has now become a criminal investigation. NBC News reports that the Department of Homeland Security’s Inspector General is looking into the deletion of crucial Jan. 6 texts, informing the Secret Service on Wednesday night that it must hit pause on its own internal probe.

The messages between Jan. 5 and Jan. 6, which the Secret Service has maintained were deleted accidentally, could hold sensitive information about agents’ real-time reactions and planning surrounding Trump’s whereabouts during the Capitol riot. Ayala wrote that the Secret Service can no longer interview witnesses, collect devices, or do anything else that could obstruct a criminal investigation.