The U.S. Secret Service is confronting what it describes as the highest threat environment in its history, with cases involving threats to government officials surging 40% compared to last year.
A senior Secret Service official told reporters Wednesday that the agency has handled approximately 10,000 threat cases involving government officials, including Supreme Court justices, so far in 2026. The official characterized the current situation as unprecedented in scope and severity.
“What we’re seeing now is something I’ve never seen before,” the official said during a background briefing, according to a pool report. The threats are “increasing in volume and complexity,” the official added.
Mental Health Committals Spike
The Secret Service has witnessed a dramatic increase in mental health committals of individuals suspected of threatening protectees, with cases rising by a factor of 10. The disclosure came just days after Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett testified before a House subcommittee that the threat level facing her and other federal judges “is really high.”
The briefing preceded Friday’s rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association dinner at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, which President Donald Trump is expected to attend. The event was originally scheduled in April but was suspended after an armed man attempted to breach security at the Washington Hilton Hotel during the dinner.
Cole Tomas Allen of California was tackled by Secret Service officers before reaching the ballroom where Trump and other administration officials were present. Allen has since been charged with attempting to assassinate Trump.
Drone Threats a Growing Concern
Matthew Quinn, the Secret Service’s deputy director, expressed serious concern about the potential use of drones in attacks on protectees. When asked how worried the agency is about drone threats, Quinn responded bluntly: “Very.”
“Look, the threat’s real,” Quinn said, pointing to the widespread use of drones in Ukraine. “It’s just a matter of time before it comes to the United States.”
Despite the concerns, Quinn emphasized that the White House remains well-protected. “The technology that we’re deploying, and not just at the White House, at all protected sites, is cutting edge right now,” he said.
The deputy director acknowledged the evolving nature of the drone threat, including fiber optic controlled drones and “dark drones,” describing it as “a constant chase to keep up with it.” He insisted the agency is “doing a tremendous job to stay ahead of the threat, especially at the White House.”
Trump’s Previous Brushes with Danger
The heightened security concerns follow multiple attempts on Trump’s life. On July 13, 2024, during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, gunman Thomas Crooks opened fire, narrowly missing Trump. The attack killed audience member Corey Comperatore and seriously injured two others.
Two months later, another incident occurred at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, where a Secret Service officer shot at a gunman hiding in the perimeter shrubs. Ryan Routh was convicted in Florida federal court last September of attempting to assassinate Trump and is now serving a life sentence.
When asked Tuesday at the White House if he feels safe given these attempts, Trump expressed confidence. “I feel safe,” the president said. “Why wouldn’t I feel safe?”
Source: www.cnbc.com — https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/22/secret-service-threat-trump-white-house-drones.html
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