Source: Fortune
Summary
A government report found the U.S. Secret Service did not adjust its protection policies or document why it didn’t after several drone-related incidents. The report, from the Government Accountability Office, cited delays in policy updates and gaps in addressing emerging threats. Between 2015 and 2025, the agency handled 83 security incidents, updating policies in response to 25. The report noted that the Butler, Pennsylvania, assassination attempt on Donald Trump in 2024 was linked to a drone used to position the attacker. The Secret Service also failed to update eight of 22 protection policies within the required four-year timeframe.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
The Secret Service handled 83 incidents but updated policies for only 25.
It failed to document why it didn’t change policies after drone threats.
Some policies haven’t been updated in decades, missing modern risks.
The report calls for better documentation, but the agency’s mission remains zero-fail.
Author: Evan Null
Drone Threats and Policy Gaps
The U.S. Secret Service faced multiple drone-related incidents but did not adjust its protection policies or explain why. A government report highlighted these gaps, noting that the agency failed to document its reasoning for not updating policies after several drone incidents. This lack of documentation may have hindered understanding of the growing threat posed by civilian drones.
Missed Opportunities for Policy Updates
Between 2015 and 2025, the Secret Service dealt with 83 security incidents. However, it only updated its policies in response to 25 of them. The report pointed out that the agency failed to update eight of 22 protection policies within the required four-year timeframe, leaving gaps in its approach to emerging threats.
Outdated Agreements and New Threats
A memorandum of understanding between the Secret Service and the Diplomatic Security Service, which outlines responsibilities for the president’s overseas security, has not been updated since 1991. Despite being required to review and update it annually, the document does not address modern threats like drones, raising concerns about the agency’s preparedness.
Post-2024 Attack Concerns
The report specifically cited the 2024 assassination attempt on Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a drone was used to help position the attacker. The incident highlighted how the Secret Service’s failure to document and adapt to drone threats may have contributed to security lapses. The report noted that some of the missing information was relevant to subsequent attacks.
Recommendations and Agency Response
The Government Accountability Office recommended that the Secret Service revise its policy to require documentation of decisions not to update policies after security incidents. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the Secret Service, agreed with all recommendations and plans to implement changes. However, the agency has not yet commented on the report.
