New Delhi: Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for the 2024 presidential elections and a former US president was shot during an election event on Saturday, July 13, in Butler Country, Pennsylvania. Trump was shot multiple times by a 20-year-old man he sustained an ear injury but declared himself fine. However, the shooter was then and there was shot by the Secret Services. Meanwhile, calls have been made for the Secret Service and other security agencies to explain the significant security lapse and the reason the shooter remained unnoticed at the rally following the abortive attempt on their lives. An inquiry has been opened by the FBI.According to one of the eyewitnesses, the shooter climbed up to the roof of a building that was located around 150 meters from Trump. According to the analysis of the satellite images and camera footage done by Associate Press, the shooter managed to reach astonishingly close to the stage where the former president was speaking.The incident has raised several questions over the protective measures taken by the Secret Services in the United States.The Secret Service: What Is ItThe United States Secret Service is one of the first federal investigative law enforcement agencies that was established in 1865. Its original mission was to stop the counterfeiting of US currency, but this changed after the assassination of US President William McKinley in 1901.However, after the assassination of Presidents Abraham Lincoln and James A Garfield had been assassinated in 1865 and 1881, respectively, in 1902, the Secret Service assumed full-time responsibility for the safety of the President of the United States.Who takes care of the Security ServicesThe Secret Services come under the Department of Homeland Security and has approximately 3,200 special agents and over 1,300 uniformed Division Officers. In addition to this, the service also employs more than 2,000 technical, professional and administrative support personnel, according to the official sources.For how long do former US Presidents receive security after leaving officeAccording to the Public Law (89-186), in 1965, Congress authorized the Secret Service to provide security to a former president and his/her spouse during their lifetime, unless they decline protection.Heres an overview of their protection measures:The US Secret Service has a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to protect the President, former Presidents, and their families. 1. Personal ProtectionProtective Detail: A dedicated team of Secret Service agents is assigned to protect the President and former Presidents. These agents are highly trained in personal protection, surveillance, and threat assessment.Close Proximity: Agents maintain close physical proximity to the protectees, using formations and protocols to ensure maximum security in various situations.Advance Teams: Before any public appearance or travel, advance teams conduct thorough security assessments of the location, identify potential threats, and establish security protocols.2. Residence SecurityWhite House Security: The White House is one of the most secure buildings in the world, with multiple layers of physical security, surveillance, and armed personnel. The grounds are monitored by cameras, sensors, and security personnel.Mar-a-Lago and Other Residences: When former Presidents reside in private homes, the Secret Service establishes security perimeters, installs security systems, and coordinates with local law enforcement.3. Travel SecurityMotorcades: Presidential motorcades are meticulously planned and heavily guarded. Routes are kept confidential, and decoy vehicles are often used. Streets are cleared, and intersections are controlled to ensure safe passage.Air Travel: The President travels on Air Force One, which is equipped with advanced defence systems and is always accompanied by a secondary plane. Helicopters, such as Marine One, are also used for shorter distances, providing flexibility and security.Secure Transport: Vehicles used by the President and former Presidents are specially designed to withstand attacks, and equipped with bulletproof glass, armored plating, and advanced communication systems.4. Event SecurityScreening: All individuals attending events where the President or former Presidents are present must go through security screenings, including metal detectors and bag checks.Crowd Control: The Secret Service manages crowd control, ensuring that the protectees are kept at a safe distance from potential threats. Barriers and security personnel are strategically placed.Emergency Plans: Detailed emergency evacuation plans are in place for all events, allowing for rapid response in case of an incident.5. Threat Assessment and IntelligenceMonitoring: The Secret Service continuously monitors threats against the President and former Presidents through various intelligence sources, including social media, tip lines, and coordination with other law enforcement agencies.Investigations: Potential threats are thoroughly investigated, and individuals posing credible threats may be apprehended or subjected to legal action.Collaboration: The Secret Service works closely with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to share intelligence and coordinate security efforts.6. Training and PreparednessOngoing Training: Secret Service agents undergo rigorous and ongoing training in tactics, firearms, driving, emergency medical response, and other critical skills.Technological Upgrades: The Secret Service continually invests in the latest security technology, including surveillance systems, communication tools, and defensive equipment.The combination of these measures ensures a robust and adaptable security system designed to protect the President, former Presidents, and their families from a wide range of potential threats.
