Archive · 5 Sep 2025
Secret Service Faces Severe Sniper Shortage, Report Finds
Imagine the Secret Service has a special team of super-skilled marksmen who protect important people, like the President.
A new report says this team doesn't have enough members!
They need more snipers to keep these important people safe from long-range dangers.
The snipers are working extra hours, and some haven't even finished their training.
This shortage has been a problem for a while, and the Secret Service knows it.
They are trying to hire more people, but it takes a long time to become a sniper.
The report suggests this shortage could put important leaders at risk.
The Secret Service is significantly understaffed in its counter sniper team.
The agency's sniper team is reportedly 73% below the required staffing level.
Snipers have been working extensive overtime, with nearly 60,000 hours logged in 2024.
Some snipers who had not completed the latest testing requirements were still used for coverage during events.
The Secret Service agrees with the inspector general's assessment and is working on recruitment.
- Who
- The U.S. Secret Service
- What
- Is facing a severe shortage of snipers and sharpshooters, as reported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General.
- When
- The report was released on August 29th.
- Where
- The report focuses on the Secret Service's operations, particularly at the White House and protective sites.
- Why
- Understaffing of snipers could limit the Secret Service's ability to protect leaders.
- Report Source
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General
- Sniper Shortage
- 73% below necessary level
- Overtime Hours
- Nearly 60,000 hours in 2024
- Events with Untrained Snipers
- 11% of events in 2024
- Hiring Requirement
- Agents must serve 18 months before becoming snipers