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Solving JFK

Ep 62: Secret Service (Part 1)

Mar 5, 2025
Dive into the dramatic details of the Secret Service's failures on the day of JFK's assassination. Unpack the questionable decisions made, including the controversial removal of the bubble top from the presidential limo. Discover whether alcohol played a role in agent misconduct the night before. Explore how local law enforcement's lack of involvement and reduced motorcycle presence contributed to the chaos. Was it all a string of unfortunate coincidences, or something more sinister at play?
32:15

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The episode raises concerns about the Secret Service's accountability culture as multiple agents allegedly binge drank before Kennedy's assassination.
  • The removal of the limousine's bubble top, despite known threats, highlights serious flaws in communication and planning within the Secret Service's security strategy.

Deep dives

The Origins and Evolution of the Secret Service

The Secret Service was founded in 1865 to combat counterfeit currency, a mission that dramatically shifted following the assassination of President McKinley in 1901, leading to the protection of the president becoming a core responsibility. Initially focused solely on investigating counterfeiting, the agency expanded its scope, becoming a vital institution by the early 1960s, with high standards for recruitment and public trust. However, the tragic assassination of President Kennedy on November 22, 1963, exposed serious lapses in the agency's protective measures, particularly during a high-profile motorcade in Dallas, where critical security oversights occurred. The upcoming analysis will delve into whether these failures stemmed from mere negligence or if there were underlying issues at play contributing to the assassination.

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