The history of the US Secret Service
- Lincoln's secretive arrival in Washington, D.C., in 1861 was due to assassination threats, highlighting the absence of presidential protection.
- The Secret Service was created after Lincoln's assassination, initially focusing on counterfeiting, and began protecting presidents part-time in 1894.
- The agency's role has evolved significantly, now providing security for numerous protectees, including former presidents, amidst increasing threats.
Before Abraham Lincoln's 1861 inauguration, there were rumors of a plot against his life, leading to his secretive arrival in Washington, D.C., under the guidance of detective Allan Pinkerton. This incident highlighted the lack of official presidential protection at the time. Following Lincoln's assassination in 1865, the Secret Service was established, initially focusing on counterfeiting rather than presidential security. It wasn't until 1894 that the agency began part-time protection of presidents after an assassination plot against Grover Cleveland was uncovered. The full-time protection of presidents was only mandated after the assassinations of James Garfield and William McKinley. Theodore Roosevelt was the first to receive continuous protection, although it was limited in scope. The Secret Service's role evolved over the years, with threats against presidents becoming a criminal offense in 1917 and protection extended to their immediate families. The agency transitioned from the Treasury Department to the Department of Homeland Security in 2003. In recent years, the Secret Service has faced challenges, particularly with the rise of threats against former President Trump, leading to discussions about potential changes in their protective measures. The agency currently safeguards numerous protectees, reflecting the ongoing need for security in a politically charged environment.