Top 9 Unbelievable Secret Service Fun Facts: Discover the Thrilling and Mysterious World of Espionage!
1. VIP Party Protectors
Who says the Secret Service only gets to play the role of a babysitter for the President? They also enjoy some VIP time at the world's swankiest soirees: In 1998, Presidential Decision Directive 62 expanded their protective mission to include securing major political events and world leader summits, naming them the lead federal agency for coordinating National Special Security Events – which means they get front row seats to political party conventions, Presidential inaugurations, and even the United Nations General Assembly shindigs. Cheers to safe partying!
Source => secretservice.gov
2. From Counterfeit Hunters to Presidential Babysitters
In a world where Benjamin Franklin's face on the $100 bill screams, "Protect me from counterfeits!": The Secret Service was actually established in 1865 to combat counterfeiting, and it wasn't until the aftermath of President William McKinley’s tragic assassination in 1901 that they pulled presidential babysitting duty into their repertoire.
Source => whitehousehistory.org
Did you know Ben Franklin preferred the turkey over the bald eagle as a symbol of America? Discover the true story and more fun facts about US history! 🦃🇺🇸
=> Fun Facts about Us-History
3. Sherlock Holmes Origins
When they first suited up, the Secret Service was more like Sherlock Holmes chasing counterfeit money villains than James Bond with a license to protect: The agency was actually founded on April 14, 1865, to combat counterfeit currency, and only became responsible for guarding the President after President William McKinley's assassination in 1901.
Source => nps.gov
4. Cool Code Names Club
If you've ever dreamt of having a super cool spy code name like "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot" or "Agent Cucumber", you'd be right at home in the Secret Service: protectees, including Presidents, First Ladies, and other VIPs, are assigned code names from a curated list that's easily understood over voice messages. Family members even share the same starting letter, and code names are updated periodically for that extra dash of intrigue. Grab your fedora, because protectees even get to pick the one they feel a special bond with!
Source => en.wikipedia.org
5. Lemonade Stand Security... Not
From protecting potent potables to presidents in playrooms: The Secret Service isn't responsible for guarding lemonade stands, but they do keep a watchful eye on former presidents' immediate family members up to the age of 16, thanks to the Former Presidents Protection Act of 2013.
Source => secretservice.gov
6. Elite Canine Squad
Who let the dogs out? The Secret Service, of course, and they're not just fetching sticks: The prestigious agency enlists highly-trained Belgian Malinois canines in their K-9 unit, specializing in bomb detection and taking down intruders, with each dog costing a snazzy $4,500. These talented pooches work alongside SWAT teams, anti-sniper units, and guards to ensure top-notch security around the White House grounds.
Source => washingtonpost.com
7. Cyber Crime-Fighting Dream Team
Move over, Sherlock Holmes and the Cyberdyne Systems; there's a new crime-fighting dream team in town: The Secret Service's Cyber Fraud Task Forces (CFTFs) focus on investigating and preventing complex cyber crimes related to financial systems, joining forces with other law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, private industry, and academia. This collaboration of special agents, technical experts, and forensic analysts ensures that the nation's financial infrastructure stays safe, secure, and free of Moriarty-style mischief.
Source => secretservice.gov
8. Pimp My Presidential Ride
If James Bond had a motor, it would surely blush at the sight of Cadillac One: This presidential state car is decked out with a smoke screen, tear gas dispenser, oil slick dispenser, flexible ballistic blanket, laminated glass armor, a hermetically sealed interior, oxygen tanks, and even a supply of the president's blood type in the trunk.
Source => creditloan.com
9. Caught in the Candy Crush Zone
When agents just can't resist that sweet call of Candy Crush: The US Secret Service has implemented stricter disciplinary measures, including suspensions and removals, in response to agents on a protective detail not noticing an intruder at national security adviser Jake Sullivan's home, due to being distracted by their personal phones.
Source => cnn.com