Special Event Security and National Special Security Events: A Summary and Issues for Congressional Consideration

Changes from February 27, 2023 to July 16, 2024

This page shows textual changes in the document between the two versions indicated in the dates above. Textual matter removed in the later version is indicated with ~~red strikethrough~~ and textual matter added in the later version is indicated with blue.

Special Event Security and National Special
~~February 27, 2023~~July 16, 2024
Security Events: A Summary and Issues for
Shawn Reese
Congressional Consideration
Analyst in Emergency Analyst in Emergency
Management and Management and
Following the end of the Cold War, policymakers began to be concerned with a rise in Following the end of the Cold War, policymakers began to be concerned with a rise in
Homeland Security Policy Homeland Security Policy
international and domestic terrorism threats. Because of this, Congress debated and legislated on international and domestic terrorism threats. Because of this, Congress debated and legislated on

the security of large federal government and public events. The President—or his representative, the security of large federal government and public events. The President—or his representative,
the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—may designate major federal the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—may designate major federal

government or public events that are considered nationally significant as National Special government or public events that are considered nationally significant as National Special
Security Events (NSSEs). These events include presidential inaugurations, presidential nominating conventions, major Security Events (NSSEs). These events include presidential inaugurations, presidential nominating conventions, major
sporting events, and major international meetings. The U.S. Secret Service (USSS)sporting events, and major international meetings. The U.S. Secret Service (USSS), a component of the Department of Homeland Security, was designated as the lead federal agency was designated as the lead federal agency
responsible for coordinating, planning, exercising, and implementing security for NSSEs by P.L. 106-544. The persistence of responsible for coordinating, planning, exercising, and implementing security for NSSEs by P.L. 106-544. The persistence of
terrorism threats has made NSSE designation a subject of congressional interest, including because of the associated USSS terrorism threats has made NSSE designation a subject of congressional interest, including because of the associated USSS
support for such events. The January 20, 2021, inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris was support for such events. The January 20, 2021, inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris was
designated an NSSE. The joint session of Congress that met at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, to open, certify, and designated an NSSE. The joint session of Congress that met at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, to open, certify, and
count the November 2020 presidential election electoral votes was not designated an NSSE. In addition to NSSEs, some count the November 2020 presidential election electoral votes was not designated an NSSE. In addition to NSSEs, some
security events (at the state and local level) may require federal assistance. A Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) event security events (at the state and local level) may require federal assistance. A Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) event
is a special event that is typically preplanned by a state or local jurisdiction or a private entity and is not designated as an is a special event that is typically preplanned by a state or local jurisdiction or a private entity and is not designated as an
~~NSSE~~NSSE. Former President Trump’s 2024 political rally in Butler, PA, and location of the shooting incident being investigated as an attempted assassination and as potential domestic terrorism, was not an NSSE, and CRS is unaware if it received a SEAR. This report provides information on NSSEs, SEARs, the difference between the two, and a summary of issues for . This report provides information on NSSEs, SEARs, the difference between the two, and a summary of issues for
congressional consideration. congressional consideration.

Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

Special Event Security and National Special Security Events

Introduction
Congressional interest in special event security is ongoing due to continued threats from both Congressional interest in special event security is ongoing due to continued threats from both
domestic and international terrorismdomestic and international terrorism., and recent events such as the shooting incident at a political rally in Butler, PA, on July 13, 2024, that is being investigated as an attempted assassination of former President Donald J. Trump and as potential domestic terrorism.1 National Special Security Events (NSSEs) are nationally or National Special Security Events (NSSEs) are nationally or
internationally significant events that typically involve either a large number of attendees or a internationally significant events that typically involve either a large number of attendees or a
large number of the public, and are attended by U.S. officials and foreign dignitaries. In addition large number of the public, and are attended by U.S. officials and foreign dignitaries. In addition
to NSSEs, some events (at the state and local level) may require federal assistance to provide to NSSEs, some events (at the state and local level) may require federal assistance to provide
appropriate levels of security. A Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) event is a special event appropriate levels of security. A Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) event is a special event
(typically preplanned by a nonfederal entity) that requires federal assistance to provide security, (typically preplanned by a nonfederal entity) that requires federal assistance to provide security,
but does not rise to the threshold of qualifying as an NSSE. but does not rise to the threshold of qualifying as an NSSE.
On December 19, 2000, President Clinton signed into law the Presidential Threat Protection Act On December 19, 2000, President Clinton signed into law the Presidential Threat Protection Act
of 2000 (P.L. 106-544). Among other provisions, the act authorized the U.S. Secret Service of 2000 (P.L. 106-544). Among other provisions, the act authorized the U.S. Secret Service
(USSS)—when directed by the President or the President’s representative (i.e., the Secretary of (USSS)—when directed by the President or the President’s representative (i.e., the Secretary of
the Department of Homeland Security the Department of Homeland Security ~~(DHS)~~[DHS])—to plan, coordinate, and implement security )—to plan, coordinate, and implement security
operations at special events of national significance.operations at special events of national significance.12 The President or DHS Secretary may The President or DHS Secretary may
designate major federal government or public events that are considered nationally significant as designate major federal government or public events that are considered nationally significant as
NSSEs. Some events categorized as NSSEs includeNSSEs. Some events categorized as NSSEs include:
• presidential inaugurations; presidential inaugurations;
• major international summits held in the United States; major international summits held in the United States;
• major sporting events; and major sporting events; and
• presidential nominating conventions. presidential nominating conventions.
Events designated as NSSEs included the January 20, 2021, inauguration of President Joseph R. Events designated as NSSEs included the January 20, 2021, inauguration of President Joseph R.
Biden, Jr. and Vice President Kamala D. Harris. The January 6, 2021, joint session of Congress Biden, Jr. and Vice President Kamala D. Harris. The January 6, 2021, joint session of Congress
was not designated an NSSE. was not designated an NSSE.
Threats to U.S. security persist. For example, on February 7, 2022, DHS issued a National Threats to U.S. security persist. For example, on February 7, 2022, DHS issued a National
Terrorism Advisory System Terrorism Advisory System ~~bulletin2~~bulletin3 warning of credible domestic terrorism threats. Specifically, warning of credible domestic terrorism threats. Specifically,
the bulletin identified “continued calls for violence directed at U.S. critical infrastructure; soft the bulletin identified “continued calls for violence directed at U.S. critical infrastructure; soft
targets including mass gatherings; faith-based institutions, such as churches, synagogues, and targets including mass gatherings; faith-based institutions, such as churches, synagogues, and
mosques; institutions of higher education; racial and religious minorities; government facilities mosques; institutions of higher education; racial and religious minorities; government facilities
and personnel, including law enforcement and the military; the media; and perceived ideological and personnel, including law enforcement and the military; the media; and perceived ideological
opponents.” opponents.”
The persistence of these threats The persistence of these threats ~~have~~has made NSSE designation a subject of congressional interest, made NSSE designation a subject of congressional interest,
including because of the associated USSS support for such events. This report describes NSSE including because of the associated USSS support for such events. This report describes NSSE
event designation, the designation of other types of events, and security operations provided for event designation, the designation of other types of events, and security operations provided for
NSSEs, as well as considerations for Congress. NSSEs, as well as considerations for Congress.
~~National Special Security Events (NSSEs)~~
~~The need for event security and the USSS’s role in coordinating and providing such security was~~
~~identified prior to the enactment of P.L. 106-544. On May 22, 1998, President Clinton issued~~
~~Presidential Decision Directive 62 (PDD 62)—Protection Against Unconventional Threats to the~~

1 1 Former President Trump’s political rally in Butler, PA, was not classified as a NSSE. 2 P.L. 106-544, Sec. 3; 114 Stat. 2716. P.L. 106-544, Sec. 3; 114 Stat. 2716.
23 U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, National Terrorism Advisory System, February 7, 2022, , February 7, 2022,
https://www.dhs.gov/national-terrorism-advisory-system. https://www.dhs.gov/national-terrorism-advisory-system.
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Special Event Security and National Special Security Events

National Special Security Events (NSSEs) The need for event security and the USSS’s role in coordinating and providing such security was identified prior to the enactment of P.L. 106-544. On May 22, 1998, President Clinton issued Presidential Decision Directive 62 (PDD 62)—Protection Against Unconventional Threats to the Homeland and Americans Overseas, which established a framework for federal department and Homeland and Americans Overseas, which established a framework for federal department and
agency counterterrorism programs that addressed terrorist apprehension and prosecution, agency counterterrorism programs that addressed terrorist apprehension and prosecution,
increased transportation security, enhanced emergency response, and enhanced cybersecurity.increased transportation security, enhanced emergency response, and enhanced cybersecurity.34
PDD 62 also designated specific federal departments and agencies as the lead agencies in the PDD 62 also designated specific federal departments and agencies as the lead agencies in the
event of terrorist attacks.event of terrorist attacks.45 USSS was designated as the lead agency in the planning, USSS was designated as the lead agency in the planning,
implementation, and coordination of operational security for events of national significance—as implementation, and coordination of operational security for events of national significance—as
designated by the President. Other lead agencies for counterterrorism activities included the designated by the President. Other lead agencies for counterterrorism activities included the
Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Defense, and the Department of
Health and Human Services.Health and Human Services.56
NSSE Designations
Prior to the establishment of DHS in January 2003, the President determined the events of Prior to the establishment of DHS in January 2003, the President determined the events of
national significance that were designated as NSSEs. Since the establishment of the department, national significance that were designated as NSSEs. Since the establishment of the department,
the DHS Secretary—as the President’s representative—has had the responsibility to designate the DHS Secretary—as the President’s representative—has had the responsibility to designate
NSSEs. NSSE designation factors include the following: NSSEs. NSSE designation factors include the following:
• anticipated attendance by U.S. officials and foreign dignitaries; anticipated attendance by U.S. officials and foreign dignitaries;67
• size of the event; size of the event;78 and and
• significance of the event. significance of the event.89
Recent NSSEs include the 2022 United Recent NSSEs include the 2022 United Nations General Assembly, President Biden’s 2021 inauguration, General Assembly, President Biden’s 2021 inauguration,
and the Republican and Democratic presidential candidate nominating conventions held in 2020. and the Republican and Democratic presidential candidate nominating conventions held in 2020.
From January 1, 1998, to February 7, 2023, there have been 73 NSSEs. From January 1, 1998, to February 7, 2023, there have been 73 NSSEs.
~~Table 1.National Special Security Events~~
~~January 1, 1998–February 7, 2023~~
~~Start~~

~~Description~~
~~Date~~
~~End Date~~
~~City~~
~~State~~
1
~~World Energy Council Meeting~~
~~9/13/98~~
~~9/17/98~~
~~Houston~~
TX
2
~~North Atlantic Treaty Organization 50th Anniversary~~
~~4/23/99~~
~~4/25/99~~
~~Washington~~
DC
~~Celebration~~
3
~~World Trade Organization Meeting~~
~~11/29/99~~
~~12/3/99~~
~~Seattle~~
WA
4
~~State of the Union Address~~
~~1/27/00~~
~~1/27/00~~
~~Washington~~
DC

3 4 PDD 62 was superseded by a classified appendix to Annex II of National Security Presidential Directive PDD 62 was superseded by a classified appendix to Annex II of National Security Presidential Directive
46/Homeland Security Presidential Directive 15, 46/Homeland Security Presidential Directive 15, U.S. Strategy and Policy in the War on Terror, on March 6, 2006. The , on March 6, 2006. The
appendix maintains USSS responsibility in planning, coordinating, and implementing security operations at NSSEs. appendix maintains USSS responsibility in planning, coordinating, and implementing security operations at NSSEs.
45 Presidential Decision Directive 62 is classified. The White House issued a fact sheet abstract about it, and the Presidential Decision Directive 62 is classified. The White House issued a fact sheet abstract about it, and the
Federation of American Scientists has posted an “unclassified abstract” said to be “derived from” PDD 62, available at Federation of American Scientists has posted an “unclassified abstract” said to be “derived from” PDD 62, available at
http://www.fas.org/irp/offdocs/pdd-62.htm, October 25, 2007. http://www.fas.org/irp/offdocs/pdd-62.htm, October 25, 2007.
56 U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Secret Service, Office of Legislative Affairs, “National Special Security U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Secret Service, Office of Legislative Affairs, “National Special Security
Events: Meeting the Counter-Terrorism Challenge” (Washington: 2006), p. 1. This document is available to Events: Meeting the Counter-Terrorism Challenge” (Washington: 2006), p. 1. This document is available to
congressional clients by contacting the U.S. Secret Service’s Office of Legislative Affairs. congressional clients by contacting the U.S. Secret Service’s Office of Legislative Affairs.
67 Events attended by U.S. government officials and foreign dignitaries may require federal interest in ensuring that the Events attended by U.S. government officials and foreign dignitaries may require federal interest in ensuring that the
event is executed without incident and that sufficient resources are available in case of an incident. event is executed without incident and that sufficient resources are available in case of an incident.
78 A large number of attendees and participants increases security requirements. Additionally, larger events could A large number of attendees and participants increases security requirements. Additionally, larger events could
possibly increase terrorist intentions of attempting to attack the event. possibly increase terrorist intentions of attempting to attack the event.
89 Some events have historical, political, and symbolic significance that may heighten the possibility of terrorist attacks; Some events have historical, political, and symbolic significance that may heighten the possibility of terrorist attacks;
see http://www.secretservice.gov/nsse.shtml. see http://www.secretservice.gov/nsse.shtml.
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Table 1. National Special Security Events January 1, 1998–February 7, 2023 Start

Description
Date
End Date
City
State
1 World Energy Council Meeting 9/13/98 9/17/98 Houston TX 2 North Atlantic Treaty Organization 50th Anniversary 4/23/99 4/25/99 Washington DC Celebration 3 World Trade Organization Meeting 11/29/99 12/3/99 Seattle WA 4 State of the Union Address 1/27/00 1/27/00 Washington DC 5 5
International Monetary Fund/World Bank Spring International Monetary Fund/World Bank Spring
4/14/00 4/14/00
4/17/00 4/17/00
Washington Washington
DC DC
Meetings Meetings
6 6
International Naval Review (INR) OpSail International Naval Review (INR) OpSail
7/3/00 7/3/00
7/9/00 7/9/00
New York New York
NY NY
7 7
Republican National Convention Republican National Convention
7/29/00 7/29/00
8/4/00 8/4/00
Philadelphia Philadelphia
PA PA
8 8
Democratic National Convention Democratic National Convention
8/14/00 8/14/00
8/16/00 8/16/00
Los Angeles Los Angeles
CA CA
9 9
54th Presidential Inauguration 54th Presidential Inauguration
1/20/01 1/20/01
1/20/01 1/20/01
Washington Washington
DC DC
10 United Nations General Assembly 56 10 United Nations General Assembly 56
11/10/01 11/10/01
11/16/01 11/16/01
New York New York
NY NY
11 State of the Union Address 11 State of the Union Address
1/29/02 1/29/02
1/29/02 1/29/02
Washington Washington
DC DC
12 Super Bowl XXXVI 12 Super Bowl XXXVI
2/3/02 2/3/02
2/3/02 2/3/02
New Orleans New Orleans
LA LA
13 Winter Olympic Games 13 Winter Olympic Games
2/8/02 2/8/02
2/24/02 2/24/02
Salt Lake City Salt Lake City
UT UT
14 State of the Union Address 14 State of the Union Address
1/20/04 1/20/04
1/20/04 1/20/04
Washington Washington
DC DC
15 G-8 Summit 15 G-8 Summit
6/8/04 6/8/04
6/10/04 6/10/04
Sea Island Sea Island
GA GA
16 Reagan State Funeral 16 Reagan State Funeral
6/10/04 6/10/04
6/10/04 6/10/04
Washington Washington
DC DC
17 Democratic National Convention 17 Democratic National Convention
7/26/04 7/26/04
7/29/04 7/29/04
Boston Boston
MA MA
18 Republican National Convention 18 Republican National Convention
8/30/04 8/30/04
9/2/04 9/2/04
Boston Boston
MA MA
19 55th Presidential Inauguration 19 55th Presidential Inauguration
1/20/05 1/20/05
1/20/05 1/20/05
Washington Washington
DC DC
20 State of the Union Address 20 State of the Union Address
2/2/05 2/2/05
2/2/05 2/2/05
Washington Washington
DC DC
21 State of the Union Address 21 State of the Union Address
1/31/06 1/31/06
1/31/06 1/31/06
Washington Washington
DC DC
22 Ford State Funeral 22 Ford State Funeral
12/30/06 12/30/06
1/2/07 1/2/07
Washington Washington
DC DC
23 State of the Union Address 23 State of the Union Address
1/23/07 1/23/07
1/23/07 1/23/07
Washington Washington
DC DC
24 State of the Union Address 24 State of the Union Address
1/28/08 1/28/08
1/28/08 1/28/08
Washington Washington
DC DC
25 Democratic National Convention 25 Democratic National Convention
8/25/08 8/25/08
8/28/08 8/28/08
Denver Denver
CO CO
26 Republican National Convention 26 Republican National Convention
9/1/08 9/1/08
9/4/08 9/4/08
St. Paul St. Paul
MN MN
27 G-20 Economic Summit 27 G-20 Economic Summit
11/14/08 11/14/08
11/15/08 11/15/08
Washington Washington
DC DC
28 Obama Pre-Inaugural Train Stop 28 Obama Pre-Inaugural Train Stop - —#1 #1
1/17/09 1/17/09
1/17/09 1/17/09
Philadelphia Philadelphia
PA PA
29 Obama Pre-Inaugural Train Stop 29 Obama Pre-Inaugural Train Stop - —#2 #2
1/17/09 1/17/09
1/17/09 1/17/09
Baltimore Baltimore
MD MD
30 Obama Pre-Inaugural Train Stop 30 Obama Pre-Inaugural Train Stop - —#3 #3
1/17/09 1/17/09
1/17/09 1/17/09
Wilmington Wilmington
DE DE
31 Obama Pre-Inaugural Lincoln Memorial Rally 31 Obama Pre-Inaugural Lincoln Memorial Rally
1/18/09 1/18/09
1/18/09 1/18/09
Washington Washington
DC DC
32 56th Presidential Inauguration 32 56th Presidential Inauguration
1/20/09 1/20/09
1/20/09 1/20/09
Washington Washington
DC DC
33 Presidential Address to the Joint Session of Congress 2/24/09 33 Presidential Address to the Joint Session of Congress 2/24/09
2/24/09 2/24/09
Washington Washington
DC DC
Congressional Research Service 3 Special Event Security and National Special Security Events Start Description Date End Date City State 34 G-20 Pittsburgh Summit 34 G-20 Pittsburgh Summit
9/24/09 9/24/09
9/25/09 9/25/09
Pittsburgh Pittsburgh
PA PA
35 State of the Union Address 35 State of the Union Address
1/27/10 1/27/10
1/27/10 1/27/10
Washington Washington
DC DC
36 Nuclear Security Summit 36 Nuclear Security Summit
4/12/10 4/12/10
4/13/10 4/13/10
Washington Washington
DC DC
37 State of the Union Address 37 State of the Union Address
1/25/11 1/25/11
1/25/11 1/25/11
Washington Washington
DC DC
38 APEC Summit 38 APEC Summit
11/12/11 11/12/11
11/13/11 11/13/11
Honolulu Honolulu
HI HI
39 State of the Union Address 39 State of the Union Address
1/24/12 1/24/12
1/24/12 1/24/12
Washington Washington
DC DC
40 NATO Summit 2012 40 NATO Summit 2012
5/20/12 5/20/12
5/21/12 5/21/12
Chicago Chicago
IL IL
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~~Special Event Security and National Special Security Events~~

~~Start~~

~~Description~~
~~Date~~
~~End Date~~
~~City~~
~~State~~
41 Republican National Convention 41 Republican National Convention
8/26/12 8/26/12
8/30/12 8/30/12
Tampa Tampa
FL FL
42 Democratic National Convention 42 Democratic National Convention
9/3/12 9/3/12
9/6/12 9/6/12
Charlotte Charlotte
NC NC
43 57th Presidential Inauguration 43 57th Presidential Inauguration
1/21/13 1/21/13
1/21/13 1/21/13
Washington Washington
DC DC
44 State of the Union Address 44 State of the Union Address
2/12/13 2/12/13
2/12/13 2/12/13
Washington Washington
DC DC
45 State of the Union Address 45 State of the Union Address
1/28/14 1/28/14
1/28/14 1/28/14
Washington Washington
DC DC
46 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit 46 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit
8/5/14 8/5/14
8/6/14 8/6/14
Washington Washington
DC DC
47 State of the Union Address 47 State of the Union Address
1/20/15 1/20/15
1/20/15 1/20/15
Washington Washington
DC DC
48 Papal Visit 48 Papal Visit- —Washington, DC Washington, DC
9/22/15 9/22/15
9/23/15 9/23/15
Washington Washington
DC DC
49 Papal Visit 49 Papal Visit- —UNGA 70 UNGA 70
9/23/15 9/23/15
9/25/15 9/25/15
New York New York
NY NY
50 Papal Visit 50 Papal Visit- —World Meeting of Families World Meeting of Families
9/25/15 9/25/15
9/27/15 9/27/15
Philadelphia Philadelphia
PA PA
51 State of the Union Address 51 State of the Union Address
1/12/16 1/12/16
1/12/16 1/12/16
Washington Washington
DC DC
52 Nuclear Security Summit 52 Nuclear Security Summit
3/31/16 3/31/16
4/1/16 4/1/16
Washington Washington
DC DC
53 Republican National Convention 53 Republican National Convention
7/17/16 7/17/16
7/21/16 7/21/16
Cleveland Cleveland
OH OH
54 Democratic National Convention 54 Democratic National Convention
7/25/16 7/25/16
7/28/16 7/28/16
Philadelphia Philadelphia
PA PA
55 UNGA 71 55 UNGA 71
9/13/16 9/13/16
9/16/16 9/16/16
New York New York
NY NY
56 58th Presidential Inauguration 56 58th Presidential Inauguration
1/20/17 1/20/17
1/20/17 1/20/17
Washington Washington
DC DC
57 Presidential Address to the Joint Session of Congress 2/28/17 57 Presidential Address to the Joint Session of Congress 2/28/17
2/28/17 2/28/17
Washington Washington
DC DC
58 UNGA 72 58 UNGA 72
9/17/17 9/17/17
9/22/17 9/22/17
New York New York
NY NY
59 State of the Union Address 59 State of the Union Address
1/30/18 1/30/18
1/30/18 1/30/18
Washington Washington
DC DC
60 UNGA 73 60 UNGA 73
9/18/18 9/18/18
9/23/18 9/23/18
New York New York
NY NY
61 Bush 41 State Funeral 61 Bush 41 State Funeral
12/3/18 12/3/18
12/5/18 12/5/18
Washington Washington
DC DC
62 State of the Union Address 62 State of the Union Address
2/5/19 2/5/19
2/5/19 2/5/19
Washington Washington
DC DC
63 UNGA 74 63 UNGA 74
9/22/19 9/22/19
9/28/19 9/28/19
New York New York
NY NY
64 State of the Union Address 64 State of the Union Address
2/4/20 2/4/20
2/4/20 2/4/20
Washington Washington
DC DC
65 Democratic National Convention 65 Democratic National Convention
8/17/20 8/17/20
8/20/20 8/20/20
Milwaukee Milwaukee
WI WI
66 Republican National Convention-Charlotte 66 Republican National Convention-Charlotte
8/24/20 8/24/20
8/27/20 8/27/20
Charlotte Charlotte
NC NC
67 59th Presidential Inauguration 67 59th Presidential Inauguration
1/13/21 1/13/21
1/21/21 1/21/21
Washington Washington
DC DC
68 Presidential Address to the Joint Session of Congress 4/28/21 68 Presidential Address to the Joint Session of Congress 4/28/21
4/28/21 4/28/21
Washington Washington
DC DC
69 UNGA 76 69 UNGA 76
9/19/2021 9/19/2021
9/25/2021 9/25/2021
New York New York
NY NY
Congressional Research Service 4 Special Event Security and National Special Security Events Start Description Date End Date City State 70 State of the Union Address 70 State of the Union Address
3/1/22 3/1/22
3/1/22 3/1/22
Washington Washington
DC DC
71 UNGA 77 71 UNGA 77
9/18/22 9/18/22
9/25/22 9/25/22
New York New York
NY NY
72 72 USU.S.-Africa Leaders Summit -Africa Leaders Summit
12/13/22 12/13/22
12/15/22 12/15/22
Washington Washington
DC DC
73 State of the Union Address 73 State of the Union Address
2/7/23 2/7/23
2/7/23 2/7/23
Washington Washington
DC DC
Source: U.S. Secret Service Congressional Liaison document provided to CRS February 22, 2023.U.S. Secret Service Congressional Liaison document provided to CRS February 22, 2023.
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~~Special Event Security and National Special Security Events~~

NSSE Security Operations
When an event is designated as an NSSE, USSS becomes the lead federal agency responsible for When an event is designated as an NSSE, USSS becomes the lead federal agency responsible for
developing, exercising, and implementing security operations. The goal of these security developing, exercising, and implementing security operations. The goal of these security
operations is to operations is to
develop and implement a seamless security plan that will create a safe and secure develop and implement a seamless security plan that will create a safe and secure
environment for the general public, event participants, Secret Service protectees, and other environment for the general public, event participants, Secret Service protectees, and other
dignitaries.dignitaries.910
The USSS’s Dignitary Protective Division (DPD) is responsible for NSSE planning and The USSS’s Dignitary Protective Division (DPD) is responsible for NSSE planning and
coordinates with other USSS headquarters and field offices. Some of the coordination includes coordinates with other USSS headquarters and field offices. Some of the coordination includes
advance planning and serving as a liaison for venue and air space security, training, advance planning and serving as a liaison for venue and air space security, training,
communications, and security credentialing.communications, and security credentialing.1011 Additionally, DPD coordinates and conducts Additionally, DPD coordinates and conducts
liaisons with other federal, state, and local agencies—primarily law enforcement entities. liaisons with other federal, state, and local agencies—primarily law enforcement entities.
NSSE security is planned, exercised, and implemented through a unified command model that is NSSE security is planned, exercised, and implemented through a unified command model that is
comprised of representatives of participating federal, state, and local agencies with NSSE comprised of representatives of participating federal, state, and local agencies with NSSE
responsibilities. During the NSSE’s planning phase, each participating agency is tasked according responsibilities. During the NSSE’s planning phase, each participating agency is tasked according
to their expertise or jurisdictional responsibility. USSS states that, “with the support of hundreds to their expertise or jurisdictional responsibility. USSS states that, “with the support of hundreds
of federal, state, and local law enforcement and public safety organizations, each of these events of federal, state, and local law enforcement and public safety organizations, each of these events
has successfully concluded without any major incidents.”has successfully concluded without any major incidents.”1112
NSSE operational plans include the use of physical infrastructure security fencing, barricades, NSSE operational plans include the use of physical infrastructure security fencing, barricades,
special access accreditation badges, K-9 teams, and other security technologies. To try to ensure special access accreditation badges, K-9 teams, and other security technologies. To try to ensure
consequence management, DHS pre-positions Domestic Emergency Support Teams, Urban consequence management, DHS pre-positions Domestic Emergency Support Teams, Urban
Search and Rescue Teams, National Emergency Response Teams, Nuclear Incident Response Search and Rescue Teams, National Emergency Response Teams, Nuclear Incident Response
Teams, and assets from the Strategic National Stockpile and Mobile Emergency Response Teams, and assets from the Strategic National Stockpile and Mobile Emergency Response
System. Specific teams and groupings of teams are designed for each event based on coordination System. Specific teams and groupings of teams are designed for each event based on coordination
with other federal entities, state and local jurisdictions, available local resources, and mutual aid with other federal entities, state and local jurisdictions, available local resources, and mutual aid
agreements.agreements.1213 Additionally, USSS sponsors training seminars for command-level federal, state, Additionally, USSS sponsors training seminars for command-level federal, state,
and local law enforcement and public safety officials to provide principles for managing security and local law enforcement and public safety officials to provide principles for managing security
10 U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Secret Service, Office of Legislative Affairs, “National Special Security Events: Meeting the Counter-Terrorism Challenge” (Washington: 2006), p. 1. This document is available to congressional clients by contacting the U.S. Secret Service’s Office of Legislative Affairs. 11 Ibid., p. 2. 12 Ibid. 13 U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Press Secretary, “National Special Security Events Fact Sheet,” July 9, 2003. Congressional Research Service 5 link to page 9 link to page 10 link to page 10 Special Event Security and National Special Security Events at major events and strategies for reducing vulnerabilities related to terrorism. The seminars also at major events and strategies for reducing vulnerabilities related to terrorism. The seminars also
discuss key strategies and lessons learned from past NSSEs.discuss key strategies and lessons learned from past NSSEs.1314
Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Events
A Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) A Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) ~~event~~event15 is a special event that is typically preplanned is a special event that is typically preplanned
by a state or local jurisdiction or a private entity but is not designated as an NSSE. SEAR events by a state or local jurisdiction or a private entity but is not designated as an NSSE. SEAR events
are large state, local, or private events that do not require a lead federal agency. SEAR events are are large state, local, or private events that do not require a lead federal agency. SEAR events are
state and locally planned and managed. A SEAR assessment measures the risk of terrorist attack state and locally planned and managed. A SEAR assessment measures the risk of terrorist attack
and other hazards, as appropriate, on a special event. The Special Events Working Group, which and other hazards, as appropriate, on a special event. The Special Events Working Group, which

~~9 U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Secret Service, Office of Legislative Affairs, “National Special Security~~
~~Events: Meeting the Counter-Terrorism Challenge” (Washington: 2006), p. 1. This document is available to~~
~~congressional clients by contacting the U.S. Secret Service’s Office of Legislative Affairs.~~
~~10 Ibid., p. 2.~~
~~11 Ibid.~~
~~12 U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Press Secretary, “National Special Security Events Fact~~
~~Sheet,” July 9, 2003.~~
~~13 Ibid.~~
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comprises more than 60 federal agencies, components, and offices, including DHS, Federal comprises more than 60 federal agencies, components, and offices, including DHS, Federal
Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the National Counterterrorism Center, is responsible for Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the National Counterterrorism Center, is responsible for
designating the SEAR level for events submitted by federal, state, or local entities (seedesignating the SEAR level for events submitted by federal, state, or local entities (see ~~Error! R~~
~~eference source not found.).14~~ Table 2).16
Unlike an NSSE, where the Secret Service assumes responsibility for the event’s security, the Unlike an NSSE, where the Secret Service assumes responsibility for the event’s security, the
state or local jurisdiction where the SEAR event will occur has the primary responsibility for state or local jurisdiction where the SEAR event will occur has the primary responsibility for
finalizing the security plan. Depending on the SEAR level, federal agencies may provide finalizing the security plan. Depending on the SEAR level, federal agencies may provide
additional security measures to the state or local jurisdiction to properly secure the event, such as additional security measures to the state or local jurisdiction to properly secure the event, such as
additional support to fill significant security shortfalls. Additionally, once a certain SEAR level is additional support to fill significant security shortfalls. Additionally, once a certain SEAR level is
assigned to an event, the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis, FBI, fusion centers, and any assigned to an event, the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis, FBI, fusion centers, and any
other appropriate parties may conduct a Joint Special Event Threat Assessment, which is used to other appropriate parties may conduct a Joint Special Event Threat Assessment, which is used to
identify necessary security measures to mitigate potential threats. identify necessary security measures to mitigate potential threats.
The SEAR process is most frequently initiated by a request from a state or local entity to DHS, The SEAR process is most frequently initiated by a request from a state or local entity to DHS,
although a federal entity may also submit an event for a rating. For an event taking place on although a federal entity may also submit an event for a rating. For an event taking place on
federal property, several entities may request a SEAR assessment, including a federal agency or a federal property, several entities may request a SEAR assessment, including a federal agency or a
local government entity, if that entity believes that the event may have an impact on its own local government entity, if that entity believes that the event may have an impact on its own
resources. A federal agency may also request a SEAR assessment if it has threat information that resources. A federal agency may also request a SEAR assessment if it has threat information that
warrants an assessment, but this is a less common occurrence, according to DHS data. Most warrants an assessment, but this is a less common occurrence, according to DHS data. Most
SEAR events are submitted to the DHS Special Events Program located in the Office of SEAR events are submitted to the DHS Special Events Program located in the Office of
Operations Coordination through the annual National Special Events Data Call. DHS Office of Operations Coordination through the annual National Special Events Data Call. DHS Office of
Operations Coordination officials informed CRS that they will assess and assign a SEAR level for Operations Coordination officials informed CRS that they will assess and assign a SEAR level for
any event that is submitted through the Data Call. any event that is submitted through the Data Call.
Table 2. DHS Special Event Assessment Rating Levels
SEAR Levela
Event Significance
Event Requirements
Level 1 Level 1
Events of significant national or international Events of significant national or international
May require extensive federal May require extensive federal
importance. importance.
agency support and DHS Secretary agency support and DHS Secretary
appoints a Federal Coordinatoappoints a Federal Coordinator.b
Level 2 Level 2
Events of significant national or international Events of significant national or international
May require some federal May require some federal
importance. importance.
interagency support and the DHS interagency support and the DHS
Secretary may appoint a Federal Coordinator. 14 Ibid. 15 CRS did not identify any information on whether Pennsylvania authorities completed a SEAR assessment for former President Trump’s political rally in Butler or requested additional federal resources. 16 U.S. Government Accountability Office, Capitol Attack: Special Event Designations Could Have Been Requested For January 6, 2021, But Not All DHS Guidance Is Clear, GAO-21-105255, August 2021, p. 4, https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-21-105255.pdf. Congressional Research Service 6 link to page 10 Special Event Security and National Special Security Events SEAR Levela Event Significance Event Requirements ~~Secretary may appoint a Federal~~
~~Coordinator.~~
Level 3 Level 3
Events of national or international importance. Events of national or international importance.
Requires only limited federal Requires only limited federal
support. support.
Level 4 Level 4
Events of limited national importance. Events of limited national importance.
Managed at the state level. Managed at the state level.
Level 5 Level 5
Events may be nationally recognized but generally have Events may be nationally recognized but generally have
Typically managed at the local level. Typically managed at the local level.
only state/local importance. only state/local importance.
Source: GAO analysis of DHS information in GAO-21-105255. GAO analysis of DHS information in GAO-21-105255.
Notes:
a. The Secretary’s role in assigning SEAR levels stems from Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5 a. The Secretary’s role in assigning SEAR levels stems from Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5
(HSPD-5) and the Homeland Security Act of 2002, P.L. 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135. The purpose of HSPD-5 is (HSPD-5) and the Homeland Security Act of 2002, P.L. 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135. The purpose of HSPD-5 is
to enhance the ability of the United States to manage domestic incidents by establishing a single, to enhance the ability of the United States to manage domestic incidents by establishing a single,
comprehensive national incident management system. HSPD-5 identifies the Secretary as the principal comprehensive national incident management system. HSPD-5 identifies the Secretary as the principal
federal official for domestic incident management. In addition, as explained in HSPD-5, the Secretary is federal official for domestic incident management. In addition, as explained in HSPD-5, the Secretary is

~~14 U.S. Government Accountability Office,~~ ~~Capitol Attack: Special Event Designations Could Have Been Requested~~
~~For January 6, 2021, But Not All DHS Guidance Is Clear, GAO-21-105255, August 2021, p. 4, https://www.gao.gov/~~
~~assets/gao-21-105255.pdf.~~
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responsible for coordinating federal operations within the United States to prepare for, respond to, and responsible for coordinating federal operations within the United States to prepare for, respond to, and
recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies. recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies.
b. The DHS Secretary appoints a Federal Coordinator for all SEAR level 1 and most SEAR level 2 events. The b. The DHS Secretary appoints a Federal Coordinator for all SEAR level 1 and most SEAR level 2 events. The
Federal Coordinator is responsible for liaising with federal, state, and local officials, consulting with state and Federal Coordinator is responsible for liaising with federal, state, and local officials, consulting with state and
local authorities on the event security and response plans, maintaining situational awareness of the event local authorities on the event security and response plans, maintaining situational awareness of the event
throughout the planning and execution phases, and resolving any federal interagency conflicts that may arise. throughout the planning and execution phases, and resolving any federal interagency conflicts that may arise.
NSSE and SEAR Differences
According to DHS documentation, NSSEs occur on an infrequent basis and require extensive According to DHS documentation, NSSEs occur on an infrequent basis and require extensive
federal planning due to their national or international significance. In comparison, SEAR events federal planning due to their national or international significance. In comparison, SEAR events
happen more frequently and are typically preplanned by state and local entities. SEAR events can happen more frequently and are typically preplanned by state and local entities. SEAR events can
also be nationally significant, but they are considered lower risk than an NSSE and require less also be nationally significant, but they are considered lower risk than an NSSE and require less
federal coordination and support.federal coordination and support.1517
From 2017 to 2021, DHS designated 13 total NSSE events, From 2017 to 2021, DHS designated 13 total NSSE events, ~~eight~~8 of which occurred in the of which occurred in the
Washington, DCWashington, DC, area. Of these 13 events, area. Of these 13 events, ~~eight~~8 were predesignated as recurring, such as the were predesignated as recurring, such as the
Republican and Democratic National Conventions and the opening period of the United Nations Republican and Democratic National Conventions and the opening period of the United Nations
General Assembly. Of the eight events that occurred in Washington, DC, five were predesignated General Assembly. Of the eight events that occurred in Washington, DC, five were predesignated
by DHS, such as the presidential inauguration and the State of the Union address.by DHS, such as the presidential inauguration and the State of the Union address.1618
During the same five-year period, DHS received 104,198 event submissions for SEAR During the same five-year period, DHS received 104,198 event submissions for SEAR
assessments, 1,717 of which were located in the National Capital Region. According to DHS assessments, 1,717 of which were located in the National Capital Region. According to DHS
officials, approximately 64% of all SEAR events submitted for 2021 were recurring, such as officials, approximately 64% of all SEAR events submitted for 2021 were recurring, such as
weekly movie events at a state or local park. Examples of more prominent submitted events weekly movie events at a state or local park. Examples of more prominent submitted events
include the Super Bowl, include the Super Bowl, the Indianapolis 500, and the Kentucky Derby.Indianapolis 500, and the Kentucky Derby.1719
Issues for Congress
Issues facing congressional consideration revolve around the debate of recurring versus Issues facing congressional consideration revolve around the debate of recurring versus
infrequent special security events and include examining the differences between predesignated infrequent special security events and include examining the differences between predesignated
17 Ibid. 18 Ibid., p. 6. 19 Ibid. Congressional Research Service 7 Special Event Security and National Special Security Events versus designated NSSEs, refining of those designations, funding for special security events, and versus designated NSSEs, refining of those designations, funding for special security events, and
competition for resources. competition for resources.
Recurring Versus Infrequent Designations
DHS predesignates recurring significant national events. These recurring significant national DHS predesignates recurring significant national events. These recurring significant national
events include Republican and Democratic Party national nominating conventions, presidential events include Republican and Democratic Party national nominating conventions, presidential
State of the Union addresses, United Nations General assemblies, and presidential inaugurations. State of the Union addresses, United Nations General assemblies, and presidential inaugurations.
Predesignation provides federal entities (and their state and local stakeholders) with advanced and Predesignation provides federal entities (and their state and local stakeholders) with advanced and
established security planning. An NSSE that occurs infrequently, or one that is based upon special established security planning. An NSSE that occurs infrequently, or one that is based upon special
circumstances, does not provide federal entities and their state and local partners with as much circumstances, does not provide federal entities and their state and local partners with as much
lead time for planning as predesignated NSSEs. An example of an infrequent event with little lead time for planning as predesignated NSSEs. An example of an infrequent event with little
advance warning would be a presidential funeral. Reevaluating the current list of predesignated advance warning would be a presidential funeral. Reevaluating the current list of predesignated
NSSEs is one debate that has continued since the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, NSSEs is one debate that has continued since the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol,
which occurred during the quadrennial joint session of Congress to count and certify the Electoral which occurred during the quadrennial joint session of Congress to count and certify the Electoral
College votes for the next President and Vice President (see next section). College votes for the next President and Vice President (see next section).

~~15 Ibid.~~
~~16 Ibid., p. 6.~~
~~17 Ibid.~~
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Refining NSSE Designations
Refining NSSE designations is part of the ongoing debate due to the type of increased political Refining NSSE designations is part of the ongoing debate due to the type of increased political
violence that DHS noted in its February 2022 bulletin.violence that DHS noted in its February 2022 bulletin.1820 Arguably, this is a continued and an Arguably, this is a continued and an
increased level of political violence, including the attack on the U.S. Capitol, and attacks on increased level of political violence, including the attack on the U.S. Capitol, and attacks on
Members of Congress (and family members). DHS may consider, as recommended by GAO, to Members of Congress (and family members). DHS may consider, as recommended by GAO, to
include events such as the certification of presidential electoral ballots as a predesignated NSSE. include events such as the certification of presidential electoral ballots as a predesignated NSSE.
Funding Special Security Events
How states and localities fund security operations for NSSEs and SEARs is a third part of the How states and localities fund security operations for NSSEs and SEARs is a third part of the
debate. Currently, the USSS does not have a process for reimbursing state, local, tribal, and debate. Currently, the USSS does not have a process for reimbursing state, local, tribal, and
territorial (SLTT) partners for their contributions to NSSE events. Some NSSEs, such as territorial (SLTT) partners for their contributions to NSSE events. Some NSSEs, such as
nominating conventions receive specific appropriations from the Department of Justice’s Edward nominating conventions receive specific appropriations from the Department of Justice’s Edward
Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant ~~Program19~~Program21 for security operations—most costs are for security operations—most costs are
related to overtime for SLTT law enforcement officers. Congress may determine that there needs related to overtime for SLTT law enforcement officers. Congress may determine that there needs
to be a funding mechanism to assist state and local governments in participating in NSSE security to be a funding mechanism to assist state and local governments in participating in NSSE security
operations. operations.
Limited Resources for Competing SEAR-Assessed Events
Congress may also consider that when there are multiple SEAR-assessed events, there may be a Congress may also consider that when there are multiple SEAR-assessed events, there may be a
competition for limited security resources, such as counter-unmanned aerial systems (CUAS). If competition for limited security resources, such as counter-unmanned aerial systems (CUAS). If
multiple events require limited assets, how are those assets assigned? What federal entities and multiple events require limited assets, how are those assets assigned? What federal entities and
resources are obligated to SEAR-assessed events? Additionally, questions remain on how SLTT resources are obligated to SEAR-assessed events? Additionally, questions remain on how SLTT
expectations are managed with regard to finite amounts of federal security resources. expectations are managed with regard to finite amounts of federal security resources.

~~Author Information~~

~~Shawn Reese~~

~~Analyst in Emergency Management and Homeland~~
~~Security Policy~~

1820 U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, National Terrorism Advisory System, November 30, 2022, , November 30, 2022,
https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/ntas/alerts/22_1130_S1_NTAS-Bulletin-508.pdf. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/ntas/alerts/22_1130_S1_NTAS-Bulletin-508.pdf.
1921 For more information on funding for presidential nominating conventions, see CRS In Focus IF11555, For more information on funding for presidential nominating conventions, see CRS In Focus IF11555, Presidential
Candidate and Nominating Convention Security, by Shawn Reese. , by Shawn Reese.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

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Author Information Shawn Reese Analyst in Emergency Management and Homeland Security Policy
Disclaimer
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan
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