A former aide to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, now accused of being a Chinese spy, participated in a White House tour months before her arrest.
According to Fox News, Linda Sun, who was recently charged with acting as an agent for China, visited the White House in May on a tour facilitated by Democratic Rep. Grace Meng of Queens. The tour took place while Sun was already under investigation, raising questions about security protocols.
A White House official confirmed that Sun's visit was a standard walking tour of historic rooms, which is available to the public through congressional offices. The official emphasized that the tour did not include access to White House offices, personnel, or non-public information.
Details Of The White House Tour
The tour, arranged through Rep. Meng's office, followed the standard process for public visitors. It did not include sensitive areas such as the Oval Office or West Wing, nor did it involve interactions with officials.
Sun reportedly shared her experience on social media, posting about touring the White House and meeting with her "favorite Congresswoman." This post came just days after the tour, while she was allegedly already under investigation.
Rep. Meng's spokesperson stated that they were unaware of any allegations against Sun at the time of the tour. The spokesperson emphasized that if any information about Sun's activities had been known, her request would not have been considered.
Charges And Allegations Against Sun
Linda Sun, 40, and her husband, Chris Hu, 41, were arrested in early September on multiple charges. Sun is accused of violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, alien smuggling, and money laundering conspiracy.
Prosecutors allege that Sun acted on behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese Communist Party. Her activities reportedly included blocking Taiwanese government representatives from accessing the New York State governor's office and providing unauthorized invitation letters to facilitate travel for Chinese government officials.
The indictment claims that Sun received substantial economic benefits from Chinese government representatives in exchange for her actions. These benefits were allegedly used to purchase luxury properties and vehicles.
Governor Hochul's Office Response
Governor Hochul's office responded to the allegations by stating that Sun was terminated in March 2023 after evidence of misconduct was discovered. The office immediately reported her actions to law enforcement and has been assisting with the investigation since then.
The FBI conducted a raid on Sun's Long Island home in late July, although no arrests were made at that time. The subsequent arrest and charges came as a shock to many, including those who had interacted with Sun in her official capacity.
Implications For Security Protocols
The revelation of Sun's White House tour while under investigation has raised concerns about security protocols for visitors to government facilities. It highlights the challenges in screening individuals who may pose potential security risks, especially those with political connections.
The case also underscores the ongoing concerns about foreign influence in U.S. politics and government operations. Sun's alleged activities, if proven true, demonstrate the sophisticated methods foreign actors may use to gain access and influence within various levels of government.
This incident may prompt a review of vetting procedures for both government employees and visitors to sensitive locations. It also emphasizes the importance of ongoing security assessments and the need for vigilance in protecting against potential foreign interference.
Conclusion
Linda Sun, a former aide to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, toured the White House in May while allegedly under investigation for being a Chinese spy. Sun and her husband were later arrested on charges including acting as agents for China and money laundering. The case has raised questions about security protocols and foreign influence in U.S. politics. Governor Hochul's office stated that Sun was fired in March 2023 after evidence of misconduct was discovered, and they have been cooperating with law enforcement throughout the investigation.
