Secret Service reports surge in threats and unveils new drone-defense measures
The Secret Service says threats against its protectees have risen over 40% this year, prompting expanded training, new armored vehicles and a multimillion-dollar drone-counter program.
Sean Curran, the 28th director of the United States Secret Service, disclosed that threat incidents targeting protected officials have surged by just over 40% compared with last year, exceeding 10,000 cases so far. He linked the increase to greater internet exposure, mental-health crises and a recent swing toward right-wing threats after a 2025 left-wing spike. The Service has boosted its training pipeline to 942 agents in preparation, introduced a trauma-ready medical truck, reinforced the presidential “Beast” vehicle, and deployed a new armored carrier for crowd-control scenarios.
Curran also demonstrated a drone-hunter that uses AI, radar and a capture net, citing a successful jamming of a rogue drone at the Army-Navy game in Baltimore. The agency is drawing on lessons from the Ukraine battlefield to develop offensive and defensive drone capabilities, anticipating future attacks that could involve small explosive-laden drones at public events.
Why it matters
Rising threat levels and emerging drone attacks could affect the safety of U.S. leaders and large public gatherings.
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