Presidential Visit-United States Attorney's Responsibility

When a Presidential visit is scheduled, the United States Attorney should be alert to indications of plans by individuals or groups which may result in activity in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 1752. If such activity is anticipated, the United States Attorney should, after consultation with the Secret Service, consider whether preventive measures such as a temporary restraining order would be appropriate, and whether the United States Attorney's Office should be represented at the scene. The United States Attorney should also maintain contact with the appropriate Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in order to ensure that background information on the individuals or groups concerned is properly disseminated.

Although state and local ordinances differ as to the exact extent of their coverage, conduct proscribed in 18 U.S.C. § 1752 generally is prohibited in some form at the state or local level. Section 1752 establishes a Federal offense, thus creating Secret Service jurisdiction to prevent such activities.

[updated April 2022]