Can the US Secret Service use deadly force if there is a suspected threat?
The Secret Service’s primary job is to protect the president and other important people, but can they use deadly force on someone suspected to be a threat?
During a rally held in Butler, Pennsylvania, former President Trump was the victim of an assassination attempt; the first since 1981. The Republican candidate was showing a graph on border crossings when the gunshots were heard. Trump put his hand on the side of his head and quickly fell to the ground.
Immediately, numerous Secret Service agents covered him, until it was reported that the shooter had been shot. A bullet had grazed the former president’s ear and blood was visible on the right side of his face and ear. Trump, who is “safe,” was taken to an armored vehicle, in which he was evacuated from the venue.
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The role of the Secret Service
The primary task of the United States Secret Service is to protect the nation’s president and vice president, as well as other important people. This includes all the country’s former presidents for life; especially Trump, whose situation is a little different, since he is not only a former president, but he is also running for president again.
On a normal day, Trump has a motorcade of more than a dozen vehicles, in addition to the main transport vehicle, a spare vehicle and tactical elements, there are also local law enforcement forces and supervisory, protective intelligence and additional agents. When a rally is held, with tens of thousands of attendees, security is increased and more additional agents are required.
Can the Secret Service use deadly force?
Because their duty is of vital importance, Secret Service agents are trained to handle a wide range of situations, ranging from protocol security to imminent threats to the lives of those under their protection. In the latter case, agents have the right and obligation to use lethal force to safeguard their protectees, which means that they can shoot to kill if they see it necessary to neutralize a threat.