The agency is reportedly operating with 400 fewer employees than authorized.
President Joe Biden stated on Tuesday that the Secret Service needs more resources to protect federal officials, responding to questions about the second assassination attempt on presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump over the weekend.
“One thing I want to make clear is: the Service needs more help. And I think Congress should respond to their need,” President Biden said. The president added that he had not received a full report of the incident yet but was glad that President Trump was alright.
The Secret Service is reportedly understaffed, operating with 400 fewer employees this year than last year. As of February, the agency employed 7,879 despite former director James Murray telling Congress in 2022 they would employ 8,305 agents.
Congress did boost the Secret Service’s budget this year to allow for the 2024 election. Only 2 percent of applicants are approved for hiring, which can take months.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Acting Director Ronald Rowe and Secret Service officials as they assess the needs for hiring and training agents.
- For the safety of President Biden, Vice President Harris, former President Trump, and other presidential candidates as they campaign and make public appearances.
Sources: Reuters, Politico
