What's happened
The Secret Service is facing intense scrutiny after a 20-year-old gunman attempted to assassinate former President Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania. President Biden has called for an independent review of security measures, while former Secret Service agents criticize the agency's security lapse and call for investigations.
What's behind the headline?
What the papers say
Republican-led House committees are launching investigations into federal law enforcement's handling of the assassination attempt against former President Trump, with a focus on security for presidential candidates. The Secret Service is under intense scrutiny as it faces pressure to explain the security lapse that allowed the gunman to get close to Trump.
How we got here
The Secret Service has long been tasked with protecting current and former presidents, as well as other high-profile individuals. The agency's security protocols and procedures are designed to prevent incidents like the attempted assassination of former President Trump. However, lapses in security can have serious consequences and lead to calls for reviews and reforms.
Go deeper
- What are the key findings of the investigations into the Secret Service's handling of the assassination attempt?
- How is the Secret Service planning to enhance its security measures following the incident?
- What impact has the assassination attempt had on public perceptions of the Secret Service?
Common question
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The United States Secret Service is a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security charged with conducting criminal investigations and protecting the nation's leaders and their families.
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Kimberly A. Cheatle is an American law enforcement officer who has served as director of the United States Secret Service since September 2022. She previously held multiple roles in the United States Secret Service over 25 years.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.