Summary:
- The UN General Assembly brings together world leaders and requires extensive security measures.
- The Diplomatic Security Service protects diplomats beyond head of state and works closely with the Secret Service.
- Special agents like Dua Kureishi play a vital role in ensuring the safety of diplomats during the event.
- The Diplomatic Security Service's main mission is to protect the protectee from harm and embarrassment.
Security is obviously top of mind as the world's most powerful leaders descend upon New York City for the UN General Assembly. With a focus on protecting diplomats, the Diplomatic Security Service plays a crucial role in ensuring their safety during the annual gathering.
Inside look: What it takes to protect world leaders at UN General Assembly
The world's most powerful leaders descend upon New York City for the UN General Assembly. Security is obviously top of mind. So we know about the Secret Service, but as Fox Live's Stephanie Bertini shows us, there's a whole detail dedicated to foreign diplomats.
The Importance of Diplomatic Security
Of course, a lot of security is required at the annual United Nations General Assembly meeting, and understandably, a lot of the details are confidential. But one special agent was clear to share some of what it takes to protect diplomats. This is a unique inside look. Currently in its 78th session, the annual United Nations General Assembly brings world leaders together.
Diplomatic Security Service: Protecting Diplomats inside and outside the UN headquarters
Diplomats are not only inside the UN headquarters but also moving around the city. And that requires a lot of security from different agencies. You've surely heard of the Secret Service, but there's also the Diplomatic Security Service. Secret Service is in charge of providing security to heads of state, whereas Diplomatic Security will provide protection to anybody else that's under the head of state.
Meet Special Agent Dua Kureishi: Protecting the President of the European Commission
This is Special Agent Dua Kureishi, assigned to protect the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. She and a team are working for the safety of the "protectee" as the foreign diplomats are called. Kureishi's role is the lead advance.
Ensuring Venue and Event Security
"It is my job to make sure that the venues she is going to are secure," explains Special Agent Kureishi. "This interview was cleared by the Diplomatic Security Service. We'll go to the venue in advance, and we will make sure that it's safe. We know where all the exits are. We know what the fire plan is. We know where the closest police department is. Then on the day of the event, I'm kind of acting as an event planner with a gun, walking around, making sure she knows where she needs to go."
The Role of Diplomatic Security Service Agents
The Diplomatic Security Service has hundreds of agents on the ground, working together to communicate top-secret details. Special Agent Kureishi explains, "If you see agents talking into their sleeve or talking into their mic, they're communicating information back and forth." There are two main goals within the mission: to protect the protectee from harm and embarrassment. This covers everything from protecting against potential hazards like something that could make the protectee trip to safeguarding against a possible terrorist attack.
The Diamond: Lines of Protection
"We call it a diamond. The diamond is the imaginary lines of protection around the protectee," says Kureishi. And although this special agent was clear to share some details with Fox 5 News, disclosing the identity of the protectee is usually not allowed. There's only so much she can say, as many things must remain top secret.
The Diplomatic Security Service and its Global Reputation
The Diplomatic Security Service, or DSS, is a world leader when it comes to dignitary protection, and the annual UN General Assembly is its largest security event. With their expertise and dedication, they ensure the safety of diplomats from around the globe.
Conclusion
As the world's attention focuses on the UN General Assembly, it is crucial to recognize the hard work and meticulous planning put into protecting the world leaders and diplomats attending the event. The Diplomatic Security Service plays a crucial role in maintaining the safety and security of these individuals, working tirelessly to ensure a successful and peaceful gathering.
The Diplomatic Security Service, known for its expertise in dignitary protection, is responsible for safeguarding foreign diplomats at the UN General Assembly. As the event continues to be a high-profile security event, the agency's secret operations and meticulous planning remain essential to maintaining the safety of world leaders.