The US Secret Service says it has opened more than 10,000 investigations into threats against people under its protection this year, marking a 40 per cent increase compared with the same period last year.
Speaking at a media briefing, Secret Service Director Sean Curran said the current threat environment is unlike anything he has experienced during his 24 years with the agency.
He said the number of threats is “off the charts.”
The agency said it remains confident in its security plans ahead of this week’s White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, which will be attended by President Donald Trump and other senior government officials.
“We will always evaluate every site. And right now, we have an advance team there, and they will take back and they will set up a plan to set that site up for success”, Curran said.
Officials also highlighted growing concerns over the use of drones, saying new detection technology is being deployed around the White House and during presidential travel.
“We’re also moving these assets around with the president, some of which is the first time used on American soil ever,” Curran said.
The Secret Service also reported a sharp rise in mental health interventions linked to protective investigations, adding that research shows many suspects display warning signs before carrying out acts of violence.
The agency said it continues to work closely with intelligence and law enforcement partners to address evolving security threats.
