President Donald Trump has officially appointed Sean Curran, the lead agent of his personal security detail, as the new director of the U.S. Secret Service. This announcement came on Wednesday via Trump's Truth Social platform, where Trump praised Curran as a "Great Patriot" for his unwavering protection over the years.

During a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania last July, Curran was among the agents who rushed to shield Trump when a gunman opened fire. Trump recounted how Curran "risked his own life to help save mine from an assassin's bullet," highlighting Curran's dedication and heroism during this perilous event. India Times reported that Curran managed the situation effectively, quickly escorting Trump off stage, an action that contributed to limiting the potential damage of the attack.

Curran's appointment defies the recommendations from two bipartisan commissions, which had suggested that the next director come from outside the agency in light of the agency's past failures to prevent such incidents. These investigations found significant shortcomings in communication and operability within the Secret Service during the assassination attempt, leading to widespread criticism of its effectiveness. Curran's previous experience includes a lengthy tenure as an agent since 2001, eventually serving as the deputy special agent in charge of the Presidential Protective Division, overseeing a team of agents responsible for ensuring the safety of the president and his family.

Despite his commendable experiences, some critiques have arisen regarding Curran's administrative capabilities to manage an agency of the Secret Service's scale amidst calls for reform, reflecting on its previously identified bureaucratic issues. An independent investigation undertaken last year characterized the agency's state as "complacent" and in dire need of a leadership overhaul. Curran succeeds Ron Rowe, who has acted as director since the resignation of former director Kimberly Cheatle, following scrutiny of agency performance during the Butler incident, where a participant in the rally was tragically killed.

Trump's confidence in Curran appears unwavering as he expressed hopes that Curran's leadership will strengthen the Secret Service, stating, "I have complete and total confidence in Sean to make the United States Secret Service stronger than ever before."

For further details, check the report from South China Morning Post.