Rutherford Introduces U.S. Secret Service Police Act Honoring Fallen Officer Coffelt

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Monday, U.S. Congressmen John H. Rutherford (FL-05), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Michael Guest (MS-03), and Ed Case (HI-01) introduced the bipartisan Officer Leslie Coffelt U.S. Secret Service Police Act of 2026 to honor fallen U.S. Secret Service Officer Coffelt and rename the "United States Secret Service Uniformed Division" to the "United States Secret Service Police" to better align with their day-to-day work and clarify their duties to the American people.

On November 1, 1950, Officer Leslie William Coffelt was killed outside the Blair House, near the White House, while defending President Harry S. Truman from an armed attack. Shots were fired outside the Blair House while the President was inside. Officer Coffelt was shot three times in the abdomen, but bravely fired one last round at the assailant, stopping him before he could reach the front door. Sadly, Officer Coffelt lost his life in service to our country. To this day, Officer Coffelt is the only U.S. Secret Service officer or agent to die while protecting a president.

The U.S. Secret Service Uniform Division is responsible for protecting the White House complex, the Vice President's residence, the Treasury Department, and other foreign diplomatic missions in the Washington, D.C. area. Officers also travel globally to help establish secure perimeters for the President, Vice President, and other visiting foreign heads of state. Since it was established, the Uniformed Division has grown both in size and scope of responsibility to include specialized teams such as Counter Sniper, Emergency Response, K-9, and more.

"Throughout its history, the Uniformed Division has been comprised of individuals who embody honor and integrity," said Rutherford. "While the threats that the Secret Service faces have changed, their commitment to protecting and serving our leaders and institutions has not. Officer Leslie Coffelt embodied that commitment to service, and that is why I am proud to be joined by my colleagues in the House to honor his service and sacrifice with this bill. Renaming the Uniformed Division to the U.S. Secret Service Police is a commonsense step as the Service continues to evolve."

"Renaming the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division as the United States Secret Service Police is a commonsense update that better reflects the law enforcement work these officers carry out every day," said Moskowitz. "These men and women serve our country honorably, protecting the President, Vice President, our nation's institutions, and the public. This change will help clarify their duties to the American people and recognize the vital role they play in keeping our country safe."

"The men and women of the Secret Service Uniformed Division carry out a vital police mission every day, protecting the White House, the Vice President's residence, foreign diplomatic missions, and securing sites for our nation's leaders across the country and around the world," said Guest. "Renaming the division as the U.S. Secret Service Police properly recognizes their mission, professionalism, and service."

"The men and women of the U.S. Secret Service have long embodied the highest ideals of duty, honor and service, standing ready to protect our leaders, our institutions and our nation," said Case. "This legislation ensures that the name of the current Uniformed Division reflects the core law enforcement role that its officers perform every day."

Secret Service Chief Richard Macauley said, "The transition from Uniformed Division to Secret Service Police represents far more than a name change, it marks the modernization, evolution, and professionalization of our force. As we commemorate America's 250th Anniversary, we honor our proud legacy while embracing a future shaped by innovation, enhanced operational readiness, and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation, its leaders, and its institutions. We are especially grateful for the bipartisan effort of Congressmen Rutherford, Moskowitz, Guest, and Case whose advocacy and support helped make this historic modernization possible."