According to Breitbart News, the U.S. Secret Service has discontinued its protection for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. following the suspension of his presidential campaign.
This development marks a significant shift in the security arrangements for the former Democratic candidate who recently transitioned to an independent run.
Kennedy, who had been granted Secret Service protection after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, now finds himself without this high-level security detail. The decision to end the protection comes in the wake of Kennedy's announcement on Friday that he was suspending his bid for the White House, though not terminating.
The removal of Secret Service protection for Kennedy aligns with the agency's standard procedures regarding presidential candidates. Typically, the Secret Service protects presidents, vice presidents, their immediate families, former presidents, former first ladies, children of former presidents, visiting heads of state, and top presidential candidates.
When a candidate suspends or ends their campaign, it is common practice for the agency to either scale back or completely terminate their protection. This policy reflects the changing security needs and priorities as candidates move in and out of the political spotlight.
Kennedy's case is particularly notable given his family history and the recent heightened concerns about political violence. As the son of Bobby Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy, both of whom were assassinated, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had previously cited 34 instances of threats and concerning behavior against him in his efforts to obtain Secret Service protection.
The decision to provide Kennedy with Secret Service protection initially came in the aftermath of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. This incident, which occurred on July 13 at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, resulted in Trump being shot in the ear and tragically claimed the life of former fire chief Corey Comperatore.
The assassination attempt on Trump highlighted the critical importance of security for high-profile political figures. It also led to significant scrutiny of the Secret Service, with the agency facing heavy criticism for what many viewed as a major security lapse.
Several actions were taken within the Secret Service in response to the events of July 13. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned ten days after the incident, following a congressional hearing during which she struggled to address key questions about the agency's failure to protect Trump. Additionally, multiple Secret Service officials involved in planning Trump's July 13 rally were placed on administrative duty, restricting their involvement in operational activities such as security planning.
The termination of Kennedy's Secret Service protection occurred against a backdrop of ongoing discussions about the security of political figures in the United States. The assassination attempt on Trump has reignited debates about the level of protection afforded to current and former presidents, as well as presidential candidates.
These events have also sparked controversy in political circles. For instance, Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS) introduced legislation that would potentially strip Trump of his Secret Service detail if convicted, a move that some commentators, including former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, have characterized as potentially dangerous.
The situation surrounding Kennedy's protection and the broader context of political security in the U.S. underscores the complex challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in safeguarding public figures. It also highlights the delicate balance between providing necessary security and maintaining the openness expected in a democratic society.
The termination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Secret Service protection following the suspension of his presidential campaign reflects standard agency procedures. This decision comes at a time of heightened awareness about political security, influenced by recent events such as the assassination attempt on former President Trump. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety of political figures while adapting to the changing dynamics of electoral campaigns.
