Biden Calls for Increased Support for Secret Service After Trump Attack

In the wake of a second assassination attempt on Donald Trump, President Joe Biden has called for increased support for the US Secret Service. The incident, which occurred on September 15, 2024, at Trump's golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, has reignited discussions about the agency's capabilities and resources.

Biden, addressing reporters outside the White House, stated, "The Service needs more help. I think Congress should respond to their need." The president, now 81 years old, emphasized the importance of potentially increasing personnel but refrained from providing specific details on the additional support required.

The recent event marks the second attempt on Trump's life in just two months. The first occurred on July 13, 2024, during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where the former president sustained a minor injury. These incidents have raised serious questions about the Secret Service's ability to protect its charges effectively.

The Secret Service, originally established in 1865 to combat currency counterfeiting, has evolved significantly over the years. In 1901, following the assassination of President William McKinley, the agency began providing full-time protection for presidents. Today, its responsibilities extend to protecting former presidents, vice presidents, and their families.

Despite the agency's extensive training programs and advanced technology, including infrared cameras and chemical sensors, securing large areas such as golf courses presents unique challenges. The local sheriff noted that if Trump were a sitting president, "we would have had this entire golf course surrounded."

The incident has prompted bipartisan calls for increased scrutiny of the Secret Service's approach. Senator Richard Blumenthal, chair of the panel investigating the security failures at Butler, described the second incident as "deeply alarming and appalling." Meanwhile, Senator Lindsey Graham suggested moving the Secret Service back to the Treasury Department and increasing its resources.

"The Secret Service and other law enforcement personnel did an absolutely outstanding job in keeping me safe."

As of 2024, the Secret Service's annual budget exceeds $2 billion. However, the agency has faced several high-profile security breaches in recent years, highlighting the need for continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving threats.

The challenges faced by the Secret Service are compounded by the current political climate and the unique security requirements of protecting Trump, particularly at his expansive properties. As investigations into the recent incidents continue, the debate over enhancing the agency's capabilities and resources is likely to intensify.