Trump to Name Secret Service Agent Sean Curran as New Director After Assassination Attempts

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump will appoint Sean Curran, the head of his personal Secret Service detail, as the agency’s new director, his son Donald Trump Jr. announced Friday. The decision comes after two failed assassination attempts on Trump during his campaign, which have placed the Secret Service under intense scrutiny.

Curran, who has been leading Trump’s security detail, gained national attention for his role in shielding the president-elect during a July 13, 2024, rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a gunman opened fire, grazing Trump’s right ear. A second attempt occurred on Sept. 15 at Trump’s Florida golf course, though he was unharmed. Both incidents have raised questions about communication lapses between local and federal law enforcement.

“Sean is a great patriot and will stop all the insanity once and for all. There’s not a better person to be in this position!” Trump Jr. posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

During the Pennsylvania rally, Curran and other agents rushed to protect Trump after the gunman fired shots from a rooftop. A counter-sniper killed the assailant, but not before three bystanders were injured, including firefighter Corey Comperatore, 50, who later died. David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74, survived their injuries.

Photos from the event show Curran standing beside Trump as the president-elect raised his fist and mouthed “Fight! Fight! Fight!” before being escorted offstage. Curran has since been a constant presence at Trump’s side, including at events like UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden and the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter.

“Trump wanted someone he could trust, and they clearly have formed a bond after Pennsylvania,” said Bill Gage, a former Secret Service agent who served under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. “Even with all of the mistakes in Butler, the mistakes were from the advance team. The agents assigned to Trump and Curran performed exactly as trained.”

The assassination attempts have led to significant changes within the Secret Service, including the resignation of Director Kimberly Cheatle. Ronald Rowe Jr. has been serving as acting director since her departure.

Curran, who maintains a low public profile, is expected to bring stability to the agency as it faces ongoing challenges in protecting high-profile figures. His appointment underscores Trump’s preference for loyalty and trust in his inner circle.