Overview
- The inspector general warned that the shortfall could hinder protection of senior leaders, increasing the risk of injury or assassination.
- Demand for counter-sniper coverage rose 151% from 2020 to 2024, intensifying strain as the next election cycle approaches.
- Counter-snipers logged 247,887 overtime hours over 2020–2024 while the agency leaned on other DHS components and local partners to fill posts.
- The review is the first in a planned series examining Secret Service readiness following the July 2024 attempt on Donald Trump.
- The Secret Service agreed to develop hiring and training strategies, but rules that bar direct hiring and require prior service slow expansion.