Secret Service plans late-night drill at White House

Hold onto your hats, folks — the U.S. Secret Service is gearing up for a late-night operation at the White House that might just wake up the neighbors.

Between 8 p.m. and 1 a.m. on Friday, while President Donald Trump was set to be away at a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Secret Service planned to conduct a routine threat exercise, complete with potential simulated gunfire, to keep their skills razor-sharp amid intense scrutiny following last year’s assassination attempts on Trump, as the Washington Examiner reports.

Residents near the White House, don’t panic if you hear what sounds like a Wild West showdown — it’s just a drill.

Training comes amid heightened security concerns

Sidewalks around the White House complex will be closed during the exercise, though roads will thankfully remain open for those just passing through.

This kind of training isn’t just for show; it’s a critical piece of the Secret Service’s dual mission to safeguard the president and investigate potential threats.

Routine exercises like this one are designed to ensure agents stay alert and ready for anything, especially when the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Recent threats fuel public safety

Let’s rewind to last year’s campaign trail, when an assassin at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, came horrifyingly close to taking Trump’s life, grazing his ear with a bullet that tragically killed one attendee.

The shooter was neutralized at the scene, but the incident left a scar on the nation and raised serious questions about the Secret Service’s preparedness.

Fast forward to another chilling moment last year, when a suspect was found hiding in bushes near a golf course where Trump was playing, though thankfully, no shots were fired.

Agency faces criticism, reform efforts

These near-misses have put the Secret Service under a microscope, with many wondering if they’re truly up to the task of protecting our leaders.

A damning report cited by CBS News didn’t hold back, stating, “The Secret Service does not perform at elite levels.” Well, that’s a polite way to say they’ve got some homework to do.

Another line from the same report hit even harder: “The Secret Service has become bureaucratic, complacent.” Turns out, resting on laurels isn’t an option when lives are on the line.

Steps made toward stronger protection measures

In the wake of these incidents, the agency has been scrambling to tighten security, especially around Trump’s golf outings, which have proven to be a vulnerability.

Last month, six agents were let go following an investigation into the assassination attempt, a clear signal that accountability isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a necessity.

While some might scoff at the timing of a late-night drill, it’s hard to argue against the need for constant vigilance when the threats are this real, and the Secret Service’s mission this vital. After all, in a world where danger doesn’t sleep, neither can those tasked with stopping it.