The U.S. Secret Service is sounding the alarm over a nearly 40 percent jump in threats against protected individuals, with officials warning the agency is facing one of the most challenging security environments in its history.
Secret Service Director Sean Curran said the agency has opened more than 10,000 protective intelligence investigations this year involving threats against government officials and other protectees.
He described the current environment as “very volatile” and said the scale of threats is unlike anything he has seen during his 24-year career with the agency.
“The threat picture and environment is as large as I’ve ever seen it,” Curran told reporters during a briefing at Secret Service headquarters.
He said the agency’s responsibility is based on who officials are assigned to protect, regardless of political affiliation, noting that the Secret Service protects current and former presidents as well as other high-ranking government officials.
Officials pointed to a combination of factors behind the increase, including internet-based threats, foreign influence concerns, individuals acting alone, and cases involving personal or ideological grievances.
The agency reported that mental health-related interventions involving people making threats against protected individuals have increased nearly tenfold compared with last year.
The Secret Service said most modern threats now originate online rather than through traditional methods such as letters.
Investigators evaluate threats based on behavior and warning signs, including escalating grievances, fixation on individuals, harassment, stalking, unusual interest in violence, and other concerning actions, according to WTOP.
Officials said a person does not have to make a direct threat to become the subject of a protective intelligence investigation.
The heightened security environment follows multiple threats and assassination attempts targeting President Donald Trump since the 2024 campaign, including the April White House Correspondents’ Dinner incident, where authorities said an armed individual was stopped at a security checkpoint before reaching the event area.
Curran defended the security measures used during the incident, saying checkpoints and screening areas are designed to stop potential threats before they reach protected individuals.
He said the agency must balance security needs with the impact of closing areas and limiting access around major events, OANN reported.
Secret Service officials also warned about the growing challenge posed by drones.
Deputy Director Matthew Quinn said the threat from drones is real and said advances in drone technology, including fiber-optic-controlled and harder-to-detect systems, require constant updates to security methods.
He said the agency has deployed advanced detection and mitigation technology at the White House and other protected locations.
Quinn said the Secret Service has incorporated drone defense measures into presidential protection efforts and acknowledged that the agency previously failed to provide certain counter-drone resources during earlier periods.
He said those gaps have since been addressed.
The agency has also expanded efforts to identify threats before individuals reach protected locations.
Officials said the Secret Service uses intelligence from social media, law enforcement partners, government agencies, relatives, and members of the public to locate potential threats before they escalate.
The Secret Service briefing came ahead of the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, which moved from the Washington Hilton to the Waldorf Astoria following the April security incident.
Officials said the event is being treated as a new presidential visit requiring a fresh security assessment rather than a repeat of the previous gathering.
The agency’s warnings come amid broader increases in threats against public officials.
U.S. Capitol Police reported thousands of concerning statements, behaviors, and communications directed toward members of Congress, their families, and staff, adding to concerns among federal agencies about the changing security landscape.
