‘It’s another example of weaponization of government against Biden’s political opponents,’ the candidate says.
After the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rejected his plea for Secret Service protection for a third time, 2024 independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called the decision a political move and “weaponization of government” against candidates seeking to unseat President Joe Biden.
Mr. Kennedy is the son of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, who was fatally shot in 1968 after giving a presidential primary campaign speech in Los Angeles, and the nephew of President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in Dallas in 1963 as he rode in a presidential motorcade.
Since he declared his candidacy in April, two armed men have been arrested in separate incidents attempting to gain access to Mr. Kennedy.
“Denied Secret Service again! It’s not just about me. It’s another example of weaponization of government against Biden’s political opponents. They know that 30¢ of every campaign dollar goes to keeping me safe,” Mr. Kennedy wrote on X.
“Homeland Security gave no explanation for rejecting our application. Law says all ‘major candidates’ get protection. I’m polling 22 percent (and 40 percent among young voters—beating both [President Joe] Biden and [former President Donald] Trump). My opinion may be biased, but that seems pretty “major” to me, Mr. Kennedy said.
Mr. Kennedy announced his candidacy as a Democrat, then changed his status to Independent in October.
Stating that he does not qualify for Secret Service protection. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has denied Mr. Kennedy’s requests.
According to federal law, the DHS secretary is authorized to decide who qualifies as a “major” candidate in consultation with the speaker of the House, the House minority leader, the majority and minority leaders of the Senate, and one additional member selected by the other members of the committee, which as a whole isn’t answerable to the incumbent president.
“I have consulted with an advisory committee composed of the Speaker of the House, the House Minority Leader, the Senate Majority Leader, the Senate Minority Leader, and the Senate Sergeant at Arms. Based on the facts and the recommendation of the advisory committee, I have determined that Secret Service protection for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is not warranted at this time,” Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a letter last week.
