Biden orders Secret Service protection for RFK Jr. after Trump shooting
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President Joe Biden has directed the U.S. Secret Service to protect independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. following the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, according to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Why RFK Jr. needs Secret Service protection
Kennedy, a longshot candidate, has drawn large crowds at campaign events. The Associated Press reported that Mayorkas mentioned that Biden's directive includes protection both before and after the recent attack on Trump.
The Secret Service typically protects major party candidates, but third-party candidates like Kennedy receive protection as needed.
Law enforcement has noted a rise in violent rhetoric since the Trump rally attack. Both Biden and Trump are frequently threatened, emphasizing the current heightened threat environment.
Kennedy has previously criticized Biden for not providing him with Secret Service protection.
He argued that the Biden administration was breaking decades of precedent by denying his request, especially given the heightened threat environment and recent incidents highlighting the need for increased security measures.
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a campaign event "Declare Your Independence Celebration" at Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County on October 12, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eva Marie Uzcategui/Getty Images)
Factors influencing Secret Service protection
The Secret Service is legally required to protect major party presidential and vice-presidential candidates and their families 120 days before a general election, while third-party candidates are evaluated based on specific threats and polling numbers.
Kennedy's campaign argues that recent threats justify his need for protection, but Homeland Security has not publicly addressed these claims. The Department of Homeland Security noted in its 2024 budget overview that requests for candidate protection have been coming in earlier than in previous years.
Trump's status after the shooting
Trump officially became the Republican nominee after securing enough delegate votes. Although he wasn't seriously injured in the Pennsylvania shooting, the incident prompted an independent review and increased protection for Trump.
Threats to political candidates are common, but law enforcement officials have said that there has been an uptick in violent rhetoric since the weekend attack at the Trump rally. Mayorkas said both Biden and Trump are "constantly the subject of threats."
"We are in a heightened and very dynamic threat environment," he said.
The Associated Press contributed to this story. It was reported from Los Angeles.