Here Are the Rare Instances of Fatal Shootings by the Secret Service

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by Eileen Sullivan

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

In a rare incident, Secret Service agents were involved in the fatal shooting of an armed man at President Trump's Florida club, Mar-a-Lago. This event, occurring early Sunday morning, marks one of only a few fatal encounters in the agency’s 160-year history. The Secret Service, responsible for protecting top government officials, emphasizes its efforts to prevent threats through detection and deterrence strategies. While no shots were fired during President Trump's tenure, this incident underscores the agency's preparedness to handle such situations. Historically, the Secret Service has faced two notable fatal encounters. In 1920, an agent shot a man impersonating a federal agent attempting to board a train in New York City. The individual, part of a gang involved in defrauding saloon owners, was posing as a Secret Service officer when intercepted by Earl Moore, who acted to prevent the threat. This incident highlights the agency's role in identifying and neutralizing counterfeit threats. Another significant event occurred in 1950 during an assassination attempt on President Harry Truman at Blair House. Leslie Coffelt, a Secret Service agent, fatally shot Griselio Torresola, one of two Puerto Rican nationalists aiming to bring attention to the independence movement through violent means. The incident demonstrated the agency's ability to respond swiftly under attack. These historical cases, along with Sunday’s event, are reminders of the dangerous nature of protecting world leaders. Though rare, such incidents emphasize the importance of the Secret Service's mission and its continuous efforts to prevent threats from escalating. Understanding these events is crucial for appreciating the agency's role in safeguarding national security, fostering public trust in their effectiveness.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/22/2026