Five consecutive bullets were fired at former US President Donald Trump with the intention of killing him. Luckily he survived and the bullet passed near his ear. In America, the responsibility of the security of former presidents lies with a special agency. Just like the SPG handles this responsibility in India, in the same way, in America, this responsibility lies with the Secret Service. Let us know what the Secret Service is? And how is it different from the FBI and the CIA.
Immediately after the attack on Trump, questions are being raised on the Secret Service. From Elon Musk to all the big businessmen and leaders are raising questions. The Secret Service issued a statement immediately after the attack. It said, we have started the investigation. President Biden has also been informed about this. Trump is completely fine. The bullet hit the upper part of his right ear. However, the agency did not answer any of the questions asked. This is the most serious case of attempted murder of a president or presidential candidate in America after the assassination of Ronald Reagan in 1981.
What is the Secret Service, after all?
The United States Secret Service was established in 1865 as a branch of the US Treasury Department. When it was created, its job was to prevent counterfeiting of US currency. Because at that time currency was being counterfeited in America. Situations of civil war had arisen, because one-third of the notes in circulation were fake. In 1901, President William McKinley was assassinated in Buffalo, New York. After this, the Secret Service was given the responsibility of protecting the President for the first time. Currently, the mission of the Secret Service is to protect the President, Vice President and others; and to investigate all economic crimes that take place in America.
Who does the Secret Service protect?
In 1958, the Former Presidents Act was passed. Under this, the Secret Service was given the responsibility of protecting former US presidents, their wives and children up to the age of 15. If a president marries again, then the responsibility of protecting the wife is no longer there. After the president leaves office, the protection given to his adult children automatically ends. This is the reason why Bill Clinton and George W. Bush had increased the Secret Service coverage for their children.
Which candidates does the Secret Service provide protection to?
The Secret Service is also responsible for the security of the main presidential and vice-presidential candidates and their life partners. The Secret Service protects them for 120 days during the presidential election. The term ‘main presidential and vice-presidential candidates’ refers to those people who are recognized by the Homeland Security Secretary.
Tags: Donald Trump, US News
FIRST PUBLISHED : July 14, 2024, 17:30 IST