U.S. Institute of Peace Takeover

How a Vendor Vulnerability Enabled a Takeover at the U.S. Institute of Peace

Government leadership transitions can be tumultuous. One executive might favor your organization with funding, the next one might cut it. One moment, your team might be in full control of the security of your organization. The next, you might be standing outside on the sidewalk as law enforcement turns over the property to someone else against your wishes.
Former Chief Security Officer Colin O’Brien understands this dynamic all too well. In March 2025 he was escorted from the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) by Metropolitan Police Department officers as multiple levels of law enforcement converged on his workplace.

Timeline of a Takeover: What Happened at the U.S. Institute of Peace

The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiated a physical takeover of the U.S. Institute of Peace earlier this year. Here’s a timeline of the events that transpired.

Reviving USIP Security Amidst a DOGE Takeover

The U.S. Institute of Peace reclaimed its headquarters site after two months during an ongoing legal battle. Here’s how it went about securing its facilities and regaining control of its security systems.