WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Secret Service has opened roughly 10,000 protective-intelligence cases since January, a nearly 40% increase from the same period last year as threats against government officials increasingly originate online.
Secret Service Director Sean Curran said the volume is unprecedented during his 24-year career. Officials attributed the rise to ideological grievances, lone actors, foreign threats and people experiencing mental-health crises.
The agency reported nearly 10 times as many mental-health interventions as last year. Those cases include voluntary and involuntary commitments and coordination with families and healthcare providers when investigators identify people who may pose a danger.
Officials said agents initially treat every reported threat as potentially credible before evaluating whether the person has the intent, capability and opportunity to commit violence. Warning signs may include stalking, escalating grievances, fixation on a public official or unusual interest in violence.
The Secret Service is also expanding counter-drone systems around the White House and presidential events. The FBI said it seized more than 700 drones operating illegally near World Cup venues this summer.
The threat assessment comes before President Donald Trump attends Friday’s rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association dinner at Washington’s Waldorf Astoria, where officials are conducting a new security review.
Sources:
- CBS News – MBFC Rating
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