Security Incident in Brussels: Bodyguard of Secretary Rubio Detained by Police
In an unexpected incident during US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent visit to Belgium, a member of his security team was arrested by Brussels police on March 31 at a prominent hotel in the capital.
According to information relayed by multiple US media outlets and confirmed by Belgian press sources, the arrested individual was a senior supervisor with the US Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), tasked with overseeing Rubio’s protective detail during his stay in Brussels for the NATO foreign ministers' summit, held on April 3 and 4.
The arrest reportedly took place at the prestigious Hotel Amigo, where Secretary Rubio was lodged. The DSS agent, part of the advance team responsible for ensuring the venue’s security, allegedly engaged in a heated dispute with hotel staff after being denied access to the bar beyond its official closing time. Witnesses told media that the agent exhibited erratic behavior and refused to return to his room, prompting staff to seek police assistance.
Upon the arrival of local law enforcement, the situation escalated. The agent reportedly became physically confrontational with police officers, leading to his arrest. Belgian mainstream media report that the individual was later released from custody following the intervention of the US Embassy in Brussels.
While the US State Department has not disclosed the agent’s identity, a spokesperson confirmed awareness of the incident, stating, “The Diplomatic Security Service is aware of allegations involving an employee in Brussels on March 31, 2025. While we do not comment on individual personnel matters, these allegations are being reviewed.”
The DSS, a critical arm of the US State Department, is tasked with protecting American diplomats, foreign missions, and high-level officials worldwide. Recent reports suggest that the unit is facing operational stress and internal pressure, with Rubio's security detail described as stretched to its limits by certain US-based sources.
Belgian judicial authorities and the US Embassy have yet to provide additional official comments, despite inquiries made by Belgian media.
As the incident unfolds, it raises questions about the strain on US diplomatic security operations abroad and the challenges faced in high-pressure environments, especially during major international summits like NATO.