Officer in Critical Condition Following Accident During Vice President's Motorcade in Tennessee

An accident involving two law enforcement vehicles occurred on Friday night in Tennessee while they were escorting U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance's motorcade, resulting in one police officer being hospitalized in critical condition.

The incident took place in Maryville, approximately 17 miles (27 kilometers) south of Knoxville, and involved a motorcycle officer from the Maryville Police Department and state troopers.

Both individuals were transported to the hospital, but the condition of the state trooper has not been publicly disclosed.

Katherine Pierce, a resident agent with the U.S. Secret Service in Knoxville, indicated that the agency is actively monitoring the situation, assuring that "the safety and movement of the individuals we protect were not compromised by this incident."

The Tennessee Highway Patrol has initiated a thorough investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the accident.

It is important to note that the motorcade was part of an official event for the Vice President, and his schedule was not affected by the incident.