Compromised in Colombia; Agents' behavior a threat.

COLUMN: IN OUR OPINION

The unfolding scandal involving Secret Service agents and prostitutes during President Obama's visit to Colombia last week for the Summit of the Americas is more than embarrassing. It marks a serious and unforgivable breach of good sense and national security. The agents involved should be fired, and any supervisors who condoned their actions should be held accountable as well.

About 200 personnel took part in preparing the way for Mr. Obama's visit. A presidential visit of any kind is no small event, but when it's to a nation that has a long history of drug violence and civil unrest, the preparatory work is daunting.

When news of the scandal broke last Thursday, 11 agents were immediately replaced. Over the weekend, reports indicated that as many as 20 Secret Service and military personnel were involved.

Prostitution is legal in some parts of Colombia, but that cannot justify what happened. American agents responsible for the safety of the president and the security of information on his itinerary engaged in conduct that might have compromised both. One report says...