Secret Service agents guard President Woodrow Wilson at a baseball game in 2014. Image Credit: National Review
The United States Secret Service (USSS) has a long and multifaceted history that spans over 150 years, marked by its evolution from a financial crimes agency to one of the most recognizable protective services in the world.
Origins and Early Mission
The Secret Service was established on July 5, 1865, under the Department of the Treasury. Its primary mission was to combat the rampant counterfeiting that threatened to destabilize the post-Civil War economy. At that time, it was estimated that nearly one-third of all currency in circulation was counterfeit, posing a severe risk to the financial stability of the United States. Establishing the Secret Service was critical to restoring trust in the nation’s monetary system and ensuring economic stability.
Expansion into Protective Duties
The assassination of President William McKinley in 1901 was a pivotal moment for the Secret Service. This event, combined with the earlier assassinations of Presidents Abraham Lincoln and James Garfield, underscored the need for dedicated presidential protection. In 1902, the Secret Service was formally tasked with protecting the President of the United States. This new responsibility marked the beginning of the agency’s dual mission of protection and investigation.
This image shows the assassination of President William McKinley in Buffalo New York on September 6, 1901 by Leon Czolgosz. McKinley was shot twice in the abdomen and died eight days later of gangrene.
Growth and Legislative Support
Over the years, Congress has enacted various pieces of legislation to enhance and expand the Secret Service’s protective mission. For example, the 1917 Espionage Act granted the Secret Service the authority to investigate espionage activities during World War I, expanding the agency’s role in national security beyond financial crimes.
In 1970, the Uniformed Division was created to provide security for the White House Complex and the Vice President’s residence. This division also took on the responsibility of protecting foreign embassies and consulates in Washington, D.C. The scope of the Secret Service’s protective duties continued to grow, with significant expansions following major national security events and presidential directives.
Key Milestones and Notable Events
First Female Special Agents (1971)
The appointment of Laurie Anderson, Sue Baker, Kathryn Clark, Holly Hufschmidt, and Phyllis Shantz as the first female Special Agents marked a significant step toward gender inclusivity within the agency.
The first five female Secret Service Agents (shown here) were sworn in on December 15, 1971.
Assassination Attempts
The agency faced several high-profile challenges, including assassination attempts on President Gerald Ford in 1975 and President Ronald Reagan in 1981. These incidents highlighted the ever-present dangers faced by the Secret Service and reinforced the need for rigorous protective measures.
Oklahoma City Bombing (1995)
The bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, which housed the Oklahoma City Field Office, resulted in the deaths of six Secret Service personnel among the 168 killed. This tragedy underscored the risks associated with domestic terrorism and the importance of protective intelligence.
The United States Secret Service (USSS) has a long and multifaceted history that spans over 150 years, marked by its evolution from a financial crimes agency to one of the most recognizable protective services in the world.
Origins and Early Mission
The Secret Service was established on July 5, 1865, under the Department of the Treasury. Its primary mission was to combat the rampant counterfeiting that threatened to destabilize the post-Civil War economy. At that time, it was estimated that nearly one-third of all currency in circulation was counterfeit, posing a severe risk to the financial stability of the United States. Establishing the Secret Service was critical to restoring trust in the nation’s monetary system and ensuring economic stability.
Expansion into Protective Duties
The assassination of President William McKinley in 1901 was a pivotal moment for the Secret Service. This event, combined with the earlier assassinations of Presidents Abraham Lincoln and James Garfield, underscored the need for dedicated presidential protection. In 1902, the Secret Service was formally tasked with protecting the President of the United States. This new responsibility marked the beginning of the agency’s dual mission of protection and investigation.
This image shows the assassination of President William McKinley in Buffalo New York on September 6, 1901 by Leon Czolgosz. McKinley was shot twice in the abdomen and died eight days later of gangrene.
Growth and Legislative Support
Over the years, Congress has enacted various pieces of legislation to enhance and expand the Secret Service’s protective mission. For example, the 1917 Espionage Act granted the Secret Service the authority to investigate espionage activities during World War I, expanding the agency’s role in national security beyond financial crimes.
In 1970, the Uniformed Division was created to provide security for the White House Complex and the Vice President’s residence. This division also took on the responsibility of protecting foreign embassies and consulates in Washington, D.C. The scope of the Secret Service’s protective duties continued to grow, with significant expansions following major national security events and presidential directives.
Key Milestones and Notable Events
First Female Special Agents (1971)
The appointment of Laurie Anderson, Sue Baker, Kathryn Clark, Holly Hufschmidt, and Phyllis Shantz as the first female Special Agents marked a significant step toward gender inclusivity within the agency.
The first five female Secret Service Agents (shown here) were sworn in on December 15, 1971.
Assassination Attempts
The agency faced several high-profile challenges, including assassination attempts on President Gerald Ford in 1975 and President Ronald Reagan in 1981. These incidents highlighted the ever-present dangers faced by the Secret Service and reinforced the need for rigorous protective measures.
Oklahoma City Bombing (1995)
The bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, which housed the Oklahoma City Field Office, resulted in the deaths of six Secret Service personnel among the 168 killed. This tragedy underscored the risks associated with domestic terrorism and the importance of protective intelligence.
Modern Era and Technological Advancements
The Secret Service’s role continued to evolve in response to new threats and technological advancements. In the 1980s, the agency began to focus on credit card fraud and other financial crimes related to emerging technologies. The passage of the Credit Card Fraud Act of 1984 expanded the Secret Service’s jurisdiction to include credit and debit card fraud and federal-interest computer fraud.
In 1998, Presidential Decision Directive 62 (PDD 62) established the Secret Service as the lead federal agency for coordinating security plans for National Special Security Events (NSSEs). These events include major political party conventions, presidential inaugurations, and international summits requiring comprehensive security planning and coordination.
Structure and Functions
Today, the Secret Service operates under the Department of Homeland Security, a change that occurred in 2003 as part of a broader reorganization of federal law enforcement agencies. Despite this shift, the agency’s core mission remains the same: to protect national leaders and safeguard the nation’s financial infrastructure.
The Secret Service is divided into two main branches: the Office of Investigations and the Office of Protective Operations. The Office of Investigations handles financial crimes, cybercrime, and threats against protectees. At the same time, the Office of Protective Operations is responsible for the safety and security of the President, Vice President, and other high-profile individuals.
Notable Directors
The Secret Service has been led by several notable directors who have shaped its policies and operations. James Joseph Rowley, who served from 1961 to 1973, is credited with professionalizing the agency and implementing many protocols still in use today. More recently, Julia Pierson, appointed in 2013, became the first female director, reflecting the agency’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Challenges and Controversies
The Secret Service has faced challenges and controversies over the years. Notable incidents include security breaches at the White House and allegations of misconduct among agents. These events have prompted calls for reforms and increased scrutiny of the agency’s operations and protocols.
A bloodied but resolute Donald Trump is assisted into an armored vehicle by numerous Secret Service agents after the July 13, 2024 shooting.
More recently, many are waiting for explanations from the Secret Service regarding how a would-be assassin could take shots at former President Trump from a mere 400 feet away during a recent rally in Butler, PA. As of this writing, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has refused to resign her position or offer reasonable explanations for the inadequacy of protection that day.
Watch Navy SEAL Sniper and SOFREP CEO Brandon Webb’s after action report on the attempted assassination of President Trump.
Conclusion
The United States Secret Service has evolved significantly since its inception in 1865. From its early days combating counterfeit currency to its current role protecting national leaders and investigating sophisticated financial crimes, the Secret Service remains a critical component of the nation’s security apparatus. Despite the challenges and controversies it has faced, the agency continues to adapt and evolve, maintaining its commitment to protecting the nation’s leaders and ensuring the integrity of its financial systems.
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As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
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Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
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