Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Halts Presidential Run, Loses Secret Service Protection
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. effectively ended his presidential campaign last week, leading to the cessation of his Secret Service protection.
Following the suspension of his campaign, the Secret Service has withdrawn its protection from Kennedy, a move that has been met with criticism in light of a recent attempt on Donald Trump's life, as the New York Post reports.
Last month, President Joe Biden authorized Secret Service protection for Kennedy in light of a failed assassination attempt on Trump, but it has since been pulled due to recent campaign developments.
This decision continues to raise eyebrows, given the heightened security concerns currently prevailing across the political spectrum.
Security Enhanced After Threats to Kennedy
Kennedy had previously expressed significant concerns regarding his personal safety, prompting him to seek governmental protection.
His legal team had reported numerous threats against him, with documented cases amounting to 34 specific threats.
Amidst political and procedural delays, Kennedy emphasized the necessity of robust security measures to safeguard his well-being during his campaign.
Changes in Campaign and Protection Strategy
Despite suspending his campaign, Kennedy opted not to fully terminate his efforts.
He plans to remove his name from the ballot in several key battleground states. However, his name will still appear in states with less competitive races.
This strategic decision influences the extent of protection provided by the Secret Service, which typically reduces its detail for candidates who step back from active campaigning.
Kennedy’s Unconventional Political Moves
In a surprising political twist, Kennedy endorsed Trump, also appearing alongside him at a campaign rally in Arizona. This endorsement came amidst his own campaign's scaling down and raised eyebrows across the political landscape.
The collaboration between Kennedy and Trump marked a significant realignment in his political strategy and public persona.
Scrutiny and Investigation of Secret Service Practices
The assassination attempt on Trump on July 13 prompted an overhaul of Secret Service operations.
The incident, which tragically resulted in one fatality and two severe injuries, ignited a flurry of criticism towards the agency’s protective measures.
Following this, multiple federal agencies along with a bipartisan House task force initiated investigations to scrutinize and possibly reform Secret Service protocols.
Public and Political Reactions
The end of Kennedy’s Secret Service detail was confirmed by an agency representative, stating, “That’s correct. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is no longer receiving US Secret Service protection.”
This announcement has stirred discussions on the implications for Kennedy's safety and broader security policies.
The withdrawal of protection from Kennedy raises questions about the criteria and timing for securing and terminating Secret Service details for presidential candidates.