Man Arrested for Damaging Secret Service Vehicles in New York

New York, August 1, 2024 — Harry Heymann, a 45-year-old software developer from Manhattan, was arrested on Tuesday for damaging license plate covers on two SUVs assigned to the Secret Service detail protecting Ella Emhoff, stepdaughter of Vice President Kamala Harris. The incident occurred outside a Tribeca restaurant where Emhoff was dining.

Heymann, reportedly associated with a group of citizen activists known for addressing obstructed license plates in New York, was charged with obstructing governmental administration and criminal mischief. According to a criminal complaint, Heymann approached the unmarked vehicles and broke off their license plate covers, aiming to highlight the issue of obstructed plates used by some motorists to evade tolls and traffic enforcement.

Video footage obtained by TMZ captured Emhoff being escorted into a black SUV and Heymann being led away in handcuffs. James Byrne, a spokesperson for the Secret Service, confirmed, “At no point was any protectee in danger as a result of this incident.”

Heymann’s actions align with those of other activists, including Gersh Kuntzman, who have publicly criticized the use of obscured license plates. Kuntzman has previously demonstrated efforts to repair such plates in his advocacy against their misuse.

The Secret Service has not commented on why the vehicles had license plate covers. Heymann’s attorney has declined to comment on the case.