Changes in the U.S. Secret Service’s approach to assassinations and attempts
On a fateful Saturday evening, July 13, 2024, chaos erupted at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, as a bullet found its mark and pierced the ear of former President Donald Trump, a Republican candidate.
As Trump addressed the crowd at the Butler Farm Show grounds, he was suddenly targeted by a gunman, later identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, from Bethel Park, who fired at him. The crowd gasped in horror as Trump instinctively covered his injured ear and ducked for cover.
Swift action was taken as Secret Service agents surrounded Trump and hurriedly escorted him to safety from the stage. With blood on his face, the former President was led away, leaving the rally attendees in shock and uncertainty.
Following the harrowing incident, Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi released a statement assuring the public of protective measures being implemented and Trump’s safety being secured. The Secret Service vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the assassination attempt.
Eye-witnesses at the rally revealed that the gunman had positioned himself on a nearby building overlooking the event, allowing him to take aim at Trump with deadly accuracy. Rally attendees who spotted the gunman attempted to alert local police and draw the attention of the Secret Service to intervene.
Concerns arose regarding the Secret Service’s protocol in response to such attacks, prompting a closer look at the agency’s historical role in protecting the President of the United States. Established in 1901 after the assassination of President William McKinley, the Secret Service has continuously adapted to evolving threats over the years.
The protective mission of the Secret Service expanded significantly after the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, leading to the creation of the President’s Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy, known as the Warren Commission. The Commission’s findings emphasized the importance of transparency in informing the public about such incidents.
Various modifications were implemented in Secret Service procedures to enhance presidential protection while permitting leaders to maintain a personal connection with the public. Improved inspection techniques for buildings along motorcade routes and collaboration with other government agencies during presidential visits became standard practice.
Despite no faults found within the U.S. Secret Service during the investigation of JFK’s assassination, it was noted that the agency suffered from understaffing and inadequate funding. This led to increased budget allocations, resulting in the acquisition of heavily armored vehicles for motorcades and enhanced security measures.
Today, the Secret Service is tasked with safeguarding not only the President and immediate family members but also former presidents for their lifetime, unless declined, alongside their spouses and children up to a certain age. In the case of Donald and Melania Trump, they are mandated to receive Secret Service protection as the former President and First Lady.
Furthermore, major presidential and vice presidential candidates, along with their spouses, are entitled to Secret Service protection within 120 days of an election. Calls for additional protection have arisen in light of recent incidents, with Colorado Governor Jared Polis urging President Biden to extend security detail to independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. following the recent attempt on Trump’s life.
Former GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley also requested Secret Service agents in the past after facing threats at rally events, underscoring the ongoing need for heightened security measures in the political landscape.
As of now, the Secret Service boasts a robust team comprising 3,200 special agents, 1,300 uniformed division officers, and over 2,000 other professionals dedicated to ensuring the safety and protection of government officials and dignitaries.
