USSS Deputy Director Quinn Resigns Amid Conflict of Interest Concerns

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Matthew C. Quinn, the Deputy Director of the United States Secret Service (USSS), has resigned from his position, citing personal reasons. Quinn, who returned to the agency in May 2025 after a 23-year career, announced his departure via an internal email and a post on X. The move comes amid concerns over potential conflicts of interest related to the procurement of counter-drone technology.

Previous Career and Return to the USSS

Quinn previously worked at Fortem, the company that develops the DroneHunter net-based interdiction system, before his return to the USSS. He had retired from the agency in 2021 but was reappointed to its leadership team by Director Sean M. Curran. His return sparked internal discussions about his involvement in decisions regarding counter-drone systems, given his past commercial affiliations.

Internal Concerns and Public Criticism

Agency personnel raised concerns about Quinn’s potential conflict of interest, particularly regarding automated interdiction platforms used to capture hostile or unauthorized drones. Additionally, Quinn faced criticism for his comments during a CBS News interview, where he admitted the USSS was not prepared for a drone swarm attack. An internal report also highlighted a ‘friendly-fire’ incident where a Secret Service drone was accidentally shot down due to a lack of coordination in airspace protocols.

Leadership Shift and Agency Reforms

Quinn’s resignation marks another significant leadership change for the USSS as the agency continues to implement structural reforms aimed at improving operational readiness, technology acquisition standards, and inter-team communication across presidential protection details. The agency is under pressure to modernize its capabilities in the face of evolving threats, including the increasing use of drones in potential attacks.

Source: OANN

Written by

Connor Davis