New York Police officer Melvin Eng allegedly pretended to be part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s security detail to get into the Ryder Cup golf tournament.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) detective was on sick leave when he pulled the stunt at Bethpage Black, on Long Island, on Friday, according to the New York Post, which first reported the scandal.
Eng has since been suspended without pay, the NYPD told Newsweek.
Newsweek has contacted him, via email, for comment.
Why It Matters
Given the heightened security protocols surrounding Trump’s visit, with his aspiring golfer granddaughter Kai, the breach raises questions about security and law enforcement conduct at the event, notable for its, at times, rowdy fans.
This will be especially significant while tensions over political violence in the U.S. remain high in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination in Utah on September 10.
What To Know
Eng, 46, wore full tactical gear when he showed up to the opening of the three-day tournament, and claimed he was working for the feds, according to the Post which cited unnamed “law enforcement sources and NYPD documents.” Although this got Eng into the tournament, he was kicked out after he dropped his gun magazine in front of legitimate security personnel.
One police source said Eng “got in there with his gun, past Secret Service, past the state police,” according to The Post.
NYPD later suspended Eng without pay, the department told Newsweek.
Eng works for the Financial Crimes Task Force, according to his NYPD profile reviewed by Newsweek.
He has been a police officer since 2011 and a first became a detective in 2017. In 2013, Eng won an excellent police duty award.
America went on to lose the Ryder Cup tournament, despite a strong fightback on the last day.
What People Know
Conservative commentator Collin Rugg said on X: “Trump isn’t safe. Butler, the golf course incident, the escalator incident, and now this. There are probably more incidents we don’t even know about.”
A veteran cop told the New York Post: “You’re out sick, what are you doing at the Ryder Cup? You can’t do that. And it’s theft of service because you went in for free and then you lied and said you worked for Donald Trump.”
Another police source quoted by the Post said: “What if he was looking to hurt someone? He got in there with his gun, past the Secret Service, past the state police.”
What Happens Next
It remains to be seen whether Eng will have to face administrative charges related to theft of services. The ongoing investigation will likely assess not only Eng’s actions but also potential gaps in interagency event security—especially those involving high-profile guests.
