CNN
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An investigation is underway after Department of Veterans Affairs officials illegally accessed the medical files of two major party vice presidential candidates, Sen. J.D. Vance and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
Two sources familiar with the situation confirmed that Veterans Affairs officials improperly accessed Vance’s medical records, and approximately two months ago, officials in the office of Veterans Affairs Inspector General Michael Missal. contacted officials in the Ohio Republican Party’s operations to alert them to the violation. officials said. A spokeswoman for the Harris campaign said it had been informed of the breach of Walz’s records. The campaign declined further comment, citing the ongoing investigation.
The Washington Post, which first reported the incident, said at least a dozen employees had access to the records.
Terrence Hayes, a Department of Veterans Affairs spokesperson, told CNN that the department has reported to law enforcement “allegations that VA personnel may have had unauthorized access to veteran records,” but did not provide further details. The agency referred additional questions to the Department of Justice, which declined to comment.
As part of its response to CNN, the Department of Veterans Affairs confirmed the agency’s “commitment to privacy” in a message to employees last month, stating that “out of curiosity or concern, we look at a veteran’s records. “You are prohibited from viewing a veteran’s records for any reason or for any reason.” Purposes not directly related to officially authorized and assigned duties are strictly prohibited. ”
Vance joined the military after high school and spent four years in the Marines, serving as a combat correspondent in Iraq in 2005. Walz enlisted at age 17 and served 24 years in the National Guard, retiring in 2005 to run for Congress.
This story has been updated with additional information.
