A bodyguard assigned to protect former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has been indicted on serious federal drug trafficking charges, casting an unwelcome spotlight on the businessman-turned-politician's security team.
Security Detail Member Faces Federal Indictment
The individual at the centre of the case is Bryon Brockway, a 36-year-old from New Hampshire. Brockway was employed by a private security firm contracted by the Ramaswamy campaign during the 2024 election cycle. Federal prosecutors allege that Brockway was involved in a conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including cocaine and the psychedelic drug DMT.
Court documents unsealed in a New Hampshire district court detail the charges against him. The indictment suggests the alleged activities were not connected to his protective duties, but occurred during his period of employment with the security company serving the campaign. The news was first reported by The Guardian, based on official court filings.
Campaign Response and Background Check Questions
A spokesperson for Vivek Ramaswamy has been quick to distance the former candidate from the allegations. They stated that Ramaswamy had no prior knowledge of Brockway's alleged conduct and emphasised that Brockway was not a direct employee but worked for a third-party contractor.
"Upon learning of these serious charges, we immediately confirmed this individual is no longer affiliated with any entities connected to Mr. Ramaswamy," the spokesperson said. The statement also highlighted that all security personnel were subject to background checks conducted by the contracting firm. This revelation, however, is likely to prompt questions about the vetting processes used by political campaigns for their contracted staff, especially those in close protection roles.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Fallout
Bryon Brockway is expected to appear in court to face the charges. The case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Hampshire. If convicted, he could face a significant prison sentence, given the federal nature of the drug trafficking allegations.
While there is no suggestion of wrongdoing by Vivek Ramaswamy himself, the incident presents an embarrassing episode. For a figure who campaigned on themes of law and order and national security, the involvement of a close protection agent in a major drug case is politically awkward. It serves as a stark reminder of the challenges campaigns face in managing extensive, outsourced teams during the high-pressure environment of a presidential run.
The story continues to develop as the legal process against Brockway moves forward. The case underscores the complex logistics behind political campaigns and the potential for unforeseen scandals to emerge from their periphery.
