A Massachusetts salon owner received a surprising apology from the Secret Service after agents broke in to use her bathroom, covering cameras with duct tape during preparations for a Kamala Harris fundraiser.

Alicia Powers, owner of Four One Three Salon in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, found herself in an unusual situation on July 27, 2024, when her business was unexpectedly closed and commandeered by the Secret Service. Agents, preparing for Vice President Kamala Harris's fundraiser, used her bathroom for two hours, covering security cameras with duct tape and failing to notify Powers of their specific plans. In the wake of the commotion—and various unauthorized visitors in camouflage, medical uniforms, and dark suits—a Secret Service representative apologized, citing security protocols as the reason for the impromptu occupation.

Powers, who had already arranged to close her salon that day for unrelated reasons, was caught off guard when she noticed unusual activity around her business. The first hint came from her landlord, Brian Smith, who, with a hint of bemusement, informed her about the unexpected intrusion.

"I received a call from Brian saying, 'Why are there people in emergency medical uniforms and camouflage gear entering your salon?'" Powers recalled. "It was baffling, to say the least."

Smith confirmed that no one had given permission for the Secret Service to enter or use the building, leaving both Powers and him bewildered and a bit anxious. Apparently, even the Secret Service sometimes forgets to knock.

The situation grew even more puzzling when Powers reviewed footage from her security cameras and saw someone cover the camera lens with duct tape. While she was initially tempted to alert local authorities, she realized they'd probably be just as confused as she was about why someone decided her salon's camera needed a makeover.

After some contemplation, Powers opted to head to the salon herself, only to find a chorus of uniformed individuals nonchalantly using her bathroom facilities. "It felt like I had walked onto a set of some spy movie," she quipped.

Despite the strange circumstances, the agents' apologies were swift and seemingly well-rehearsed. A representative from the Secret Service’s Boston-based field office quickly reached out to Powers, offering a formal apology for the incident. It was as if they had a script ready for bathroom break blunders.

"It's not every day you get a call from the Secret Service saying 'Sorry for barging in to use your loo,'" Powers said, shaking her head in disbelief. "At least they didn’t leave the seat up."

The Secret Service clarified that covering up security cameras during sweeps is part of their standard protocol to ensure the safety of high-profile figures. However, they admitted this time it came at the cost of trespassing and temporarily commandeering an unsuspecting salon owner's restroom.

"While we understand the necessity of their measures, a little heads-up would have been appreciated," Powers added. "A simple knock on the door would've sufficed."

This incident occurred ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris’s first major in-person fundraiser. Harris’s team denied any direct involvement in the situation, noting their confidence in the Secret Service’s actions while also expressing regret for any inconvenience caused to local residents and businesses. The Secret Service apologized to the salon owner, Alicia Powers, after breaking into her business, Four One Three Salon, to use the bathroom during the preparations. One wonders if even the Secret Service can't resist the allure of a good hair day!

Locals in Pittsfield found a mix of humor and frustration in the ordeal. "If the Secret Service needs anything else, maybe they should book an appointment next time," a neighboring business owner joked.

For Powers, the unexpected bathroom break-in led to mixed feelings. On one hand, she appreciated the agency's commitment to safeguarding top political figures; on the other, it felt like an overreach into her personal and professional space. She's considering adding a new service to her salon's offerings: VIP Restroom Access by appointment only.

"When life gives you Secret Service agents, you might as well make something out of it," she laughed.