A senior official from the U.S. Secret Service stated on July 22, 2026, that the threat environment for the agency's protectees, including President Donald Trump, is at an unprecedented level. The official, who spoke during a background briefing, noted that there have been approximately 10,000 cases involving threats to government officials this year, marking a 40% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The official highlighted that the threats are becoming more complex and numerous.
The briefing occurred ahead of the White House Correspondents' Association annual dinner, which was previously postponed due to a security incident involving an armed individual attempting to breach a checkpoint during a similar event. The individual, Cole Tomas Allen, has been charged with attempting to assassinate Trump.
Matthew Quinn, the Secret Service's deputy director, expressed concerns about the potential use of drones in attacks against protectees, stating, "The threat's real." However, he assured that the White House is well-protected with advanced technology. Quinn emphasized the ongoing challenges posed by evolving threats, including sophisticated drone technology.
In a recent interaction, Trump affirmed his sense of safety despite the threats, referencing past assassination attempts against him, including a shooting incident at a campaign rally in July 2024, where one person was killed and two others injured. Another incident involved a gunman at Trump International Golf Club in Florida, who is now serving a life sentence for attempted assassination.