Latest news with #USSS
Fox News
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Homeland Security reveals staggering increase in Secret Service agent applications
EXCLUSIVE — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a roughly 214% increase in applications to join the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) compared to the first few months of last year. The number of submitted applications from Jan. 20 to May 1 of last year was approximately 7,000 compared to 22,000 applicants in 2025 under the Trump administration. "For four long years, the previous administration demoralized and denied resources to our brave men and women in law enforcement, including in the Secret Service," a DHS spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "Our country suffered the consequences of that disastrous approach. President Trump himself nearly lost his life because of it. Now, after reforming the Secret Service and providing it with the resources it needs to do its job, we are seeing an historic surge in applications. Americans naturally want to protect and serve. We simply have to let them." The Secret Service has a total of 8,210 employees and law enforcement officers, including 3,904 special agents, 1,560 in the uniformed division, 265 technical law enforcement personnel, and 2,481 administrative, professional, and technical staff. "I think the reality is that the Secret Service is returning to the core mission and the standards that made it great and that inspires a lot of really good people to want to be part of it," former Secret Service agent Tim Miller told Fox News Digital. "I think now under the new director, they are trying to get back to having highly qualified people that are very mission focused." "I know when I got hired, I had been a U.S. Marine Corps officer and a police officer, it was a high standard to get hired. I think many now want to be one of the best of the best and the Secret Service is trying to get back to that gold standard." The Secret Service was responsible for protecting former President Donald Trump through two assassination attempts during his 2024 campaign. The first was at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, and the second at Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15. The agency, founded in June 1865, was originally tasked with exposing counterfeit U.S. currency under the Treasury Department, but began overseeing presidential protection shortly after the assassination of William McKinley in 1901. "The Secret Service has always been a top-tier protection organization until the last 10 or so years and I think returning to its mission and restoring the standards required to be an agent are making a huge difference and causing good men and women to want to join," Miller added. Preston Mizell is a writer with Fox News Digital covering breaking news. Story tips can be sent to and on X @MizellPreston
Newsweek
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Teacher Urges Officials to 'Take Out' Trump Supporters
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The U.S. Secret Service (USSS) told Newsweek in a statement on Saturday that it's aware of comments on social media that were made by a Maine high school teacher who called on the agency to "take out every single person who supports Trump's illegal, immoral, unconstitutional acts." In its email to Newsweek, a spokesperson for the USSS added that it would not comment any further on the situation. Why It Matters Since taking office on January 20 for his second term, President Donald Trump has enacted a slew of broad reforms through executive actions. Some Democrats and Trump critics have warned of a looming "constitutional crisis," accusing the president of overstepping presidential authority and disregarding legal constraints. Schools, meanwhile, have been at the forefront of Trump's policies, which include dismantling the Department of Education (ED), and denying funding to schools in states that allow trans children to participate in sports. The state of Maine has been embroiled in a legal spat with the Trump administration regarding its executive order banning trans athletes from participating in girls and women's sports being tied to national funding. What To Know In a Facebook post on Tuesday, JoAnna St. Germain, a Waterville Senior High School English teacher, called for the USSS to "take out every single person who supports Trump's illegal, immoral, unconstitutional acts." The post begins: "The Secret Service has the perfect opportunity, if they choose to step up and take it. You are the ones with power. Coordinate. Take out every single person who supports Trump's illegal, immoral, unconstitutional acts. Look at the sycophants and give them what they're asking for. Every other country sees what's happening and they are taking stands." It continued: "If you step up, we can avoid a civil war. I'm not talking about assassinating a president. A president is a person duly elected by the American people. Tr*mp has shamelessly bragged openly about stealing the election. He is making plans to give himself a third term. I'm talking about Americans recognizing a fascist dictatorship and standing against it. Secret Service, you are Americans. My beloved military, you are Americans. We, the people, are counting on you. If I had the skill set required, I would take them out myself. I'm making this post public for a reason, I promise you. Don't waste time wondering if I'm okay. I'm not. If you're okay, you're lying to yourself." In a series of posts, she continued to lay out her beliefs, comparing Trump to Adolf Hitler. "I believe Trump and every sycophant he has surrounded himself with (this is not you - if you're reading this, this doesn't apply to you. You are beneath his notice and mine) needs to die," another post from Wednesday reads. "I believe this with the same forceful belief that Hitler and his sycophants needed to die, before they murdered 6 million innocent Jewish persons." Since the original post, St. Germain has doubled down, engaging on social media with those who spoke out against her statements. "I'm not sorry. I'm not backtracking. I said what I said and I meant it," reads a separate Wednesday post. She also clarified her statements, writing on Wednesday, "I am so sorry you took that post to mean that all Republicans should die. I have no beef with Republicans. I have no beef with MAGA." The post continued: "I meant that those in the room with Trump, who are permitting and approving his egregious actions, need to be held accountable." Newsweek has reached out to the Waterville Police Department, Waterville Public Schools and St. Germain for further comment. U.S. Secret Service officer is seen wearing a vest with various equipment attached in front of White House in Washington, D.C. U.S. Secret Service officer is seen wearing a vest with various equipment attached in front of White House in Washington, D.C. Getty Images/AP What People Are Saying President Donald Trump told NBC News in March about seeking a third term: "A lot of people want me to do it. But, I mean, I basically tell them we have a long way to go, you know, it's very early in the administration." He added: "But I'm not—it is far too early to think about are methods which you could do it." A U.S. Secret Service spokesperson told Newsweek on Saturday: "The U.S. Secret Service is aware of the post made by Ms. St. Germain, and as a matter of practice we do not comment on matters involving protective intelligence." Stevie Black, a parent of a child in the Waterville public school system, told local station WMTW: "Honestly, it made me uncomfortable because that's somebody that's teaching our children." Joe Labbe, another parent of a child in the Waterville public school system, told WMTW that he spoke to St. Germain on Facebook Messenger following the posts: "We had a great back and forth. She realizes she no longer belongs in the classroom, and I asked her why, and she said because she takes the news of the day so seriously that she's not able to put it away. And she's so deeply disturbed by what she sees the Trump administration doing." Tobin Thibeau, a senior at Waterville Senior High School, told WMTW on Friday: "Everyone is generally upset by it. I haven't seen anyone who agreed with what was said, but she hasn't been there yesterday or today." What Happens Next? St. Germain is still listed as a teacher on the school's faculty website. It is currently unclear whether she will face any ramifications from the school.
Miami Herald
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Man Arrested After Kristi Noem Purse With $3,000 Cash Stolen: Report
A man has been arrested after Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem's bag was stolen in Washington D.C. last week, according to a CNN report. Noem, who previously served as governor of South Dakota from 2019 to 2025 before accepting the position of DHS secretary, reported her bag stolen last Sunday in a restaurant in downtown Washington D.C. According to CNN, the contents of the bag included Noem's driver's license, prescription medication, apartment keys, passport, DHS access badge, makeup bag, blank checks and approximately $3,000 in cash, which DHS told Newsweek was to "treat her family to dinner, activities, and Easter gifts." The incident raised questions about her security detail and the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) launched an investigation to find the culprit. According to an anonymous law enforcement source talking to CNN, one man is now in custody and multiple other arrests are expected in a theft ring connected to the incident. The source did not specify any details about the man and in a statement, USSS did not confirm or comment on the reported arrest. According to U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Ed Martin, the arrested suspect is in the country illegally. He told NBC News that the suspect "won't be back on the streets in America." USSS spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi told CNN: "For the safety of our agents and officers, we are not in a position to confirm or comment at this time. Should criminal charges be filed, the Department of Homeland Security will provide public information in accordance with established procedures." U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Ed Martin said: "President Trump's direction to us is we charge these folks that are here illegally and we prosecute them, as well as deport them when need be, you know, as soon as that can happen." "What I can tell you is he won't be back on the streets in America," he added. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told podcaster Vince Coglianese on the VINCE Show: "It was kind of shocking, actually, because it was sitting right by my feet. I actually felt my purse, he hooked it with his foot and drug it a few steps away and dropped a coat over it and took it. "I felt it, but I thought it was my grandkids kicking me in the legs. But it was very professionally done, and it tells that this happens all the time to people and that they live in communities where this is a danger and it reaffirms why I am here. My job is to make sure that I do everything, every day, I can to make our communities safer and President Trump recognizes that families shouldn't have to live with any kind of violence in their lives." If criminal charges are filed, DHS will release further public information surrounding those charged in the theft, USSS indicated. According to the New York Post, the suspect is scheduled to appear in court early this week. Related Articles Trump Admin Handed New Deadline in Kilmar Garcia Case Amid Scathing OrderKristi Noem's TV Ad Calling to 'Hunt' Down Migrants Faces BanKristi Noem Net Worth: DHS Secretary's Cash Raises EyebrowsWho Is Bryon Noem? What We Know About Kristi Noem's Husband 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Man Arrested After Kristi Noem Purse With $3,000 Cash Stolen: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A man has been arrested after Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem's bag was stolen in Washington D.C. last week, according to a CNN report. Why It Matters Noem, who previously served as governor of South Dakota from 2019 to 2025 before accepting the position of DHS secretary, reported her bag stolen last Sunday in a restaurant in downtown Washington D.C. According to CNN, the contents of the bag included Noem's driver's license, prescription medication, apartment keys, passport, DHS access badge, makeup bag, blank checks and approximately $3,000 in cash, which DHS told Newsweek was to "treat her family to dinner, activities, and Easter gifts." The incident raised questions about her security detail and the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) launched an investigation to find the culprit. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on April 9, 2025, in Washington D.C. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on April 9, 2025, in Washington D.C. AP Photo/Alex Brandon What To Know According to an anonymous law enforcement source talking to CNN, one man is now in custody and multiple other arrests are expected in a theft ring connected to the incident. The source did not specify any details about the man and in a statement, USSS did not confirm or comment on the reported arrest. According to U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Ed Martin, the arrested suspect is in the country illegally. He told NBC News that the suspect "won't be back on the streets in America." What People Are Saying USSS spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi told CNN: "For the safety of our agents and officers, we are not in a position to confirm or comment at this time. Should criminal charges be filed, the Department of Homeland Security will provide public information in accordance with established procedures." U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Ed Martin said: "President Trump's direction to us is we charge these folks that are here illegally and we prosecute them, as well as deport them when need be, you know, as soon as that can happen." "What I can tell you is he won't be back on the streets in America," he added. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told podcaster Vince Coglianese on the VINCE Show: "It was kind of shocking, actually, because it was sitting right by my feet. I actually felt my purse, he hooked it with his foot and drug it a few steps away and dropped a coat over it and took it. "I felt it, but I thought it was my grandkids kicking me in the legs. But it was very professionally done, and it tells that this happens all the time to people and that they live in communities where this is a danger and it reaffirms why I am here. My job is to make sure that I do everything, every day, I can to make our communities safer and President Trump recognizes that families shouldn't have to live with any kind of violence in their lives." What Happens Next If criminal charges are filed, DHS will release further public information surrounding those charged in the theft, USSS indicated. According to the New York Post, the suspect is scheduled to appear in court early this week.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
K9 Hurricane, the most decorated dog in US history, has died
(WPHL) – An American hero has died. K9 Hurricane, a 16-year-old Belgian Malinois who was the most decorated dog in U.S. history, has passed away. 'As much as we knew this time was coming there was no way to prepare. We miss him so much. A huge hole that can never be replaced,' his handler, Marshall Mirarchi, said Monday. A former Special Operations Canine with the U.S. Secret Service, K9 Hurricane became the nation's most decorated dog for taking down a White House intruder in 2014 when President Barack Obama and his family were inside. Following his heroic act, Hurricane was medically retired in 2016 due to the injuries he sustained during the incident. In recognition of his valor, Hurricane received numerous honors, including the United States Secret Service Award for Merit, the Department of Homeland Security Award for Valor, the PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals) Order of Merit, and the American Medical Center Top Dog. He also made history as the first dog to receive the Animals in War and Peace Distinguished Service Medal, which earned him a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. K9 Hurricane's Heroes aims to gain support for retired law enforcement and military dogs Hurricane and Mirarchi were also awarded the Secretary's Award for Valor by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson for their efforts in protecting the Obama family. After his retirement, Hurricane's legacy lived on through the foundation Hurricane's Heroes, established in his name to help cover medical expenses for retired working dogs. Since 2020, Hurricane's Heroes has cared for over 150 retired military and government working dogs. From K9 Dog to American Hero; how Hurricane became the most awarded dog in U.S. history Before his passing, Hurricane was honored on Feb. 11 by Southwest Airlines, which flew Hurricane back home to Washington, D.C., on its Freedom One plane. Hurricane was also reunited in the White House with his old USSS working team. They presented Hurricane with a plaque and an American Flag which flew at the USSS K9 Training Center. In honor of Hurricane's life, the non-profit Hurricane's Heroes will continue to raise funds to cover the medical expenses of retired K9 heroes. 'Our nonprofit which is Hurricane's legacy is more important to us now than ever before,' said Mirarchi. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
