Who does the Secret Service protect and other keys to understand the agency

In the wake of what authorities have described as a second apparent assassination attempt of Donald Trump, concerns have been raised about the ability of the Secret Service to protect the former president and Republican presidential candidate. In response, Joe Biden’s administration has asked Congress for special authorization to increase Secret Service funding, and warned that without it, the agency would not have “sufficient resources” to enhance its protective operations.

All of this has sparked curiosity about how the Secret Service was forged and what its specific role is within the United States government. Here is an explanation of the origins of the agency and what its security responsibilities are:

How was the Secret Service born?

The U.S. Secret Service, one of the oldest federal law enforcement agencies in the country, has played a key role in ensuring both the physical security of senior government officials and the integrity of the nation’s financial systems. Created in 1865 as a branch of the U.S. Treasury Department, its original mission was to combat the widespread counterfeiting of U.S. currency after the Civil War.

The role of the Secret Service expanded in 1901, following the assassination of President William McKinley. This event led to it being assigned the responsibility of guarding the president of the United States, marking the beginning of its protective mission. Over time, this goal has expanded to include not only the president, but also other high-ranking officials and foreign dignitaries. Today, the Secret Service is charged with two primary missions: first, to provide protection for the president, vice president and others; and second, to investigate crimes that threaten the financial infrastructure of the United States.

Who is the Secret Service protecting?

By law, the Secret Service protects several individuals, primarily the president and vice president, along with their immediate family members. This defense also extends to the president-elect and vice president-elect after the general election, according to the agency’s official website.

On the other hand, former presidents and their spouses are protected for life unless they choose to waive protection, as authorized by Congress in 1965, while children of former presidents receive protection until the age of 16. The Secret Service also provides protection to visiting foreign heads of state or government, their spouses and other distinguished foreign visitors during official travel to the United States.

During a presidential campaign, major presidential and vice-presidential candidates and their spouses receive protection in the 120 days prior to the general election. This protection is determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security with an advisory committee. Finally, the Secret Service is responsible for ensuring security at “special national security events,” which are designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

The Service also works in coordination with other federal, state and local agencies. The Secret Service’s Uniformed Division, along with agencies such as the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Park Police, patrol areas near key sites such as the White House. The agency regularly consults with security experts and employs advanced techniques to ensure the protection of protectees. The military also plays a supporting role by providing assistance through explosive ordnance disposal teams and communications resources. When the president travels, a team of Secret Service agents works with local law enforcement and public safety officials to enforce strict measures.

Other activities

The Secret Service is also involved in the investigation of a wide range of financial crimes. These include counterfeiting of U.S. currency; counterfeiting or theft of U.S. Treasury checks and bonds; credit card, telecommunications, computer and identity fraud. The agency also investigates crimes affecting federally insured financial institutions.

What power does it have?

Under Title 18, Section 3056 of the United States Code, Secret Service agents and officers have the authority to carry firearms, execute warrants, and make arrests without warrants for any crime committed in their presence. They may also arrest individuals for felonies if they have reasonable grounds to believe they are guilty. In addition, the agency is authorized to offer rewards for information leading to the arrest of criminals involved in violations of laws that the Secret Service is responsible for enforcing. It has jurisdiction to investigate fraud involving identification documents, fraudulent commerce and fictitious instruments, among other crimes. In its investigative and protective functions, the agency works closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Threats against Secret Service protected persons are taken very seriously, and anyone with legitimate information about threats or plots to harm protected persons is encouraged to contact the nearest Secret Service field office. However, it is important to note that the agency does not seek information related to political opposition or criticism of government policies, focusing only on threats that pose a danger to persons under its protection.