Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will now receive Secret Service protection following the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
“We are facing an escalated and evolving threat,” stated Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas during a White House briefing on Monday. “In light of the events over the weekend, the President has instructed me to collaborate with the Secret Service to ensure the safety of Robert Kennedy Jr. both prior to and after the recent incidents.”
Despite Kennedy’s low odds in the presidential race, his campaign has been appealing for Secret Service protection for almost a year. Various incidents, such as trespassing at his Los Angeles residence and an individual showing up armed and posing as a federal officer at a campaign event, prompted these requests. However, Mayorkas had previously denied these requests until now.
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The Secret Service is mandated to protect major presidential and vice presidential candidates as determined by Mayorkas. However, the Homeland Security secretary has the authority to extend protection to third-party candidates if they are polling at 20% or higher according to the
Real Clear Politics National Average for 30 consecutive days. Kennedy’s current polling stands at approximately 9.4%.
Despite this, Kennedy has argued that candidates polling lower have been granted Secret Service protection. Citing the history of his family with his father and uncle both being assassinated, he emphasized the heightened risk he faces.
President Biden and former President Trump both expressed support for Kennedy receiving Secret Service protection due to his family’s history and the current global situation.
Thank you to President Biden for granting me Secret Service protection. And I am so grateful to Gavin deBecker & Associates for keeping me safe for the last 15 months of my Presidential campaign.
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr)
July 15, 2024
Mayorkas also mentioned adjustments to security for President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Senator J.D. Vance, Trump’s running mate. The Secret Service faced criticism for its security protocols and response during the recent incident involving Trump.
An independent review of the rally’s security has been ordered by President Biden to assess the situation and ensure transparency regarding the findings.
