An NYPD detective on sick leave breached presidential security at the Ryder Cup by impersonating Trump’s bodyguard, exposing alarming gaps in multi-agency protection protocols during a period of heightened threats against conservative leaders.
Story Highlights
- Detective Melvin Eng of the NYPD bypassed Secret Service and state police checkpoints while impersonating President Trump’s security detail.
- The 46-year-old officer was on sick leave but entered the event wearing full tactical gear and carrying a firearm.
- The security breach occurred amid heightened security concerns following the Charlie Kirk assassination.
- Eng was exposed after dropping a gun magazine and has been suspended without pay and faces administrative charges.
Security Breach Exposes Presidential Protection Vulnerability
Detective Melvin Eng, a 46-year-old NYPD Financial Crimes Task Force officer, successfully infiltrated the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black while President Trump was in attendance. Despite being on sick leave from the NYPD, Eng managed to bypass multiple security checkpoints by wearing full tactical gear and falsely claiming to be a member of the President’s protective detail.
The breach lasted until Eng accidentally dropped a gun magazine in front of legitimate security personnel, which led to his immediate exposure and apprehension. This incident highlights significant challenges in the multi-layered security apparatus responsible for protecting the President at high-profile public events.
NEW: NYPD detective on sick leave allegedly snuck into the Ryder Cup with a gun in full tactical gear, claiming he was Trump's security, according to the New York Post.
Detective Melvin Eng successfully made it into the tournament by claiming he was Trump's security.
Eng also… pic.twitter.com/ajkHNtfggu
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 2, 2025
Officer’s Actions Prompt Investigation
Detective Eng’s unauthorized presence and actions immediately prompted a federal and local investigation. The detective, who also serves as president of the NYPD Asian Jade Society, entered the venue while carrying a firearm and tactical equipment, raising serious concerns regarding protocol adherence by off-duty law enforcement personnel.
The breach occurred during a period of extraordinarily heightened security implemented for the Ryder Cup, a golf event hosting 50,000 daily spectators, particularly following the September 10 assassination of political commentator Charlie Kirk. Officials, including Major Stephen Udice of the New York State Police, had publicly warned that the likelihood of an individual attempting to target such an event was high.
Institutional Response and Protocol Failures
The NYPD responded swiftly by suspending Eng without pay and filing administrative charges against him, including theft of services. However, the incident highlighted dangerous vulnerabilities in inter-agency coordination and credential verification between the Secret Service, state police, and local agencies.
The breach underscores the need for continuous review of security protocols to prevent exploitation by unauthorized individuals. The case is expected to lead to a comprehensive audit of event security procedures and stricter oversight mechanisms for verifying the identities and roles of personnel operating within protective perimeters.
Sources:
Who is Melvin Eng? NYPD cop pretended to be part of Donald Trump’s security to enter Ryder Cup
NYPD suspends detective who snuck into Ryder Cup pretending to be Trump’s security detail
Kirk killing increases Ryder Cup security concerns
