Former Secret Service CAT Leader Explains What Really Went Wrong at Butler

When something goes wrong at the highest levels of security, the public usually sees only the final few seconds.

The professionals see everything that happened beforehand.

In this episode of The Debrief, retired ATF Task Force Leader Eric Immesberger sits down with former United States Secret Service Counter Assault Team (CAT) Leader John Constantine for an in-depth conversation about leadership, elite team culture, communication, and the lessons learned from the Butler assassination attempt.

Drawing on decades protecting presidents, leading tactical teams, and managing high-risk operations, they explain why elite organizations succeed, how failures develop long before a crisis unfolds, and what every leader can learn from operating in environments where mistakes have life-or-death consequences.

What You’ll Learn

Leadership begins with trust.

John explains why the mission always comes first—but why taking care of your people is what makes the mission possible.

Elite teams rehearse long before the crisis.

Preparation isn’t just planning.

It’s building habits that allow people to perform under extreme stress.

Communication wins.

Many operational failures aren’t caused by courage or skill.

They’re caused by information failing to reach the people who need it most.

Accountability builds trust.

Eric and John discuss why organizations lose credibility when they defend the indefensible instead of acknowledging mistakes and learning from them.

The Butler assassination attempt

Without relying on politics or speculation, John breaks down the operational lessons from Butler, including:

• Advance planning

• Communications

• Leadership

• Tactical response

• Lessons for future protective operations

  
  

About John Constantine

John Constantine served nearly 23 years in the United States Secret Service, including 15 years with the elite Counter Assault Team (CAT), where he served as an operator, instructor, and team leader.

Today he provides executive protection consulting, leadership training, and is the author of Hallways and Stairwells.

About Eric Immesberger

Eric Immesberger is a retired ATF Task Force Leader with more than three decades in law enforcement, specializing in undercover operations, violent crime investigations, firearms trafficking, explosives investigations, and tactical leadership.

On The Debrief, Eric shares the lessons behind some of the most consequential investigations and operations of his career.

FAQ

Who is John Constantine?

John Constantine is a former United States Secret Service agent who spent 15 years with the elite Counter Assault Team (CAT), serving as an operator, instructor, and team leader. 

What is the Secret Service Counter Assault Team (CAT)?

The Counter Assault Team is a specialized Secret Service unit responsible for rapidly responding to attacks against protectees while enabling their safe evacuation. The episode discusses its leadership philosophy and operational mindset. 

What does this episode cover about Butler?

The discussion examines leadership, communications, advance planning, accountability, and tactical decision-making surrounding the Butler assassination attempt, focusing on operational lessons rather than politics. 

What leadership lessons are discussed?

The conversation explores building trust, creating elite team culture, accountability, mission-first leadership, and preparing teams to perform under pressure.