US President Donald Trump has nominated Sean Curran, a Secret Service agent celebrated for his heroic actions during an attempted assassination in 2024, as the next director of the United States Secret Service.

The announcement, made Wednesday, comes just days after Trump’s inauguration for a second term as the 47th President of the United States.

“Sean is a Great Patriot who has protected my family over the past few years, and that is why I trust him to lead the Brave Men and Women of the United States Secret Service,” Trump declared in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.

Curran’s Heroic Actions in 2024

Curran, who currently leads Trump’s personal security detail, gained widespread recognition for his swift response to an attack at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024.

During the rally, a gunman opened fire, grazing Trump’s ear. Curran and his team immediately intervened, shielding Trump and escorting him to safety. Iconic images from the incident, which circulated widely, captured Curran standing resolutely to Trump’s side as the bloodied candidate raised a defiant fist to the crowd.

The moment became symbolic of Trump’s resilience and Curran’s dedication.

Who Is Sean Curran?

Sean Curran began his Secret Service career in 2001 as a special agent in the Newark field office. Over the years, he advanced through the ranks, serving as Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Presidential Protective Division during Trump’s first term.

Trump praised Curran’s leadership and courage, particularly during the dramatic events of July 2024. “Sean has distinguished himself as a brilliant leader, capable of directing and executing security plans for some of the most complex Special Security Events in our nation’s history,” Trump wrote.

“He proved his fearless courage when he risked his own life to help save mine from an assassin’s bullet in Butler, Pennsylvania.”

Scrutiny of the Secret Service

The Butler rally shooting and subsequent security breaches in 2024 drew intense scrutiny of the Secret Service. The agency faced criticism for vulnerabilities in its protocols, particularly after another incident in September 2024, when a would-be assassin managed to approach the perimeter of Trump’s Florida golf club with a firearm.

The suspect was apprehended before posing a direct threat to Trump. These failures led to the resignation of former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle in July 2024, leaving a leadership void that Curran is now set to fill.

Controversial Nomination

Curran’s nomination has sparked debate, as it goes against recommendations from a recent review into Secret Service operations. The review, conducted after the 2024 assassination attempt, advocated appointing a director with extensive experience outside the agency to address institutional shortcomings.

Despite this, Trump’s decision underscores his reliance on loyalty and trust when selecting key officials. “I have complete and total confidence in Sean to make the United States Secret Service stronger than ever before,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Curran’s nomination is expected to face both praise for his proven bravery and criticism over concerns about the agency’s need for reform. Regardless, his appointment marks a pivotal moment for the Secret Service as it seeks to restore public confidence and address security challenges moving forward.