Key Responsibilities of the United States Secret Service

The attempted assassination of former US President and Republican candidate for the 2024 elections Donald Trump has sparked a political storm and questions about the security protocols offered by the Secret Service.

Congressional leaders from both parties have strongly condemned the attack, which occurred on July 13, saying the attack exposed flaws in the security perimeter, allowing the attacker to gain access to an elevated vantage point with direct view of the candidate.

“The Secret Service is working with all federal, state and local agencies involved to understand what happened, how it happened and how we can prevent an incident like this from happening again,” he said. it’s a statement US Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle.

As investigations continue, the incident has reignited debate over the agency’s responsibilities in an increasingly polarized political climate.

But what are the fundamental functions of this federal agency? Here we explain them.

What was the origin of the Secret Service?

The United States Secret Service, one of the nation’s oldest federal investigative agencies, was founded in 1865 as a branch of the Department of the Treasury.

According to information on its website, its creation responded to the need to combat counterfeiting, a serious problem at that time.

However, in 1901, following the assassination of President William McKinley in Buffalo, New York, the Secret Service took on a second mission: presidential protection.

Who does the Secret Service protect?

The Secret Service is responsible for protecting the President, Vice President, and others in the presidential line of succession, including the President-elect and Vice President-elect. Its protection extends to the immediate families of these officials, as well as former Presidents and their spouses (except in the case of a spouse’s remarriage), and children of former Presidents up to age 16.

During presidential travel, a Secret Service team works with local and state law enforcement and public safety officials to implement necessary security measures.

Does protection continue after your presidential term ends?

Since 1965, the Secret Service has provided lifetime protection to former presidents and their spouses, unless they renounce it.

Richard Nixon resigned from Secret Service protection in 1985, becoming the only former president to do so.

What is the protection for presidential candidates?

Secret Service protection of presidential candidates began following the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy in 1968. The agency is currently authorized to protect the major presidential and vice presidential candidates, as well as their spouses, during the 120 days prior to a general presidential election.

While third-party candidates receive protection based on their specific needs, President Joe Biden has extended Secret Service coverage to independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Other persons protected by the Secret Service

The Secret Service also protects representatives of foreign states or governments visiting the United States, their accompanying spouses, other distinguished foreign visitors to the United States, and official U.S. representatives on special missions abroad.

Their protection extends to other individuals when designated by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

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