The U.S. Secret Service has decided to end its protection for Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., following the suspension of his campaign on Friday.

The decision to pull security protection for RFK, Jr. has sparked concern, especially in light of the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, which led to significant criticism of the agency’s effectiveness, as Breitbart reports.

Kennedy Jr., who had been running as an Independent candidate for the White House, announced last week that he is suspending his campaign, although he clarified that this does not mean he is ending his bid entirely. Despite this announcement, Kennedy endorsed former President Trump in key battleground states, signaling a strategic shift in his political maneuvering.

Kennedy Cites Threats As He Loses Protection

Kennedy’s decision to suspend his campaign comes with significant consequences. As is customary, the Secret Service typically scales back or terminates protection for candidates who are no longer actively running for office. This is precisely what has happened to Kennedy, despite his previous requests for continued protection due to numerous threats against his life.

Kennedy had previously requested Secret Service protection, presenting evidence of 34 threats and concerning rants directed at him. These threats were considered serious enough to warrant a security detail, but with his campaign suspension, the Secret Service has now withdrawn its protection.

This move comes at a particularly sensitive time, following the failed assassination attempt on Trump's life on July 13.

The incident occurred during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump was shot in the ear by Thomas Matthew Crooks. The shooting also claimed the life of former fire chief Corey Comperatore and left two other rallygoers, David Dutch and James Copenhaver, severely injured.

Assassination Attempt Highlights Secret Service Failures

The assassination attempt on Trump has been widely described as the Secret Service’s most significant failure in four decades. The agency has been under fire for its perceived inability to adequately protect the former president, especially after denying increased security requests for him over the past two years.

The incident has led to a wave of criticism and has placed the Secret Service under intense scrutiny.

In the wake of the attempt, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned from her position just ten days after the attack, following a contentious congressional hearing that further exposed the agency’s shortcomings.

Adding to the controversy, five Secret Service officials who were involved in the planning and execution of security at the July 13 rally have been placed on administrative duty. These officials are now prohibited from participating in any operational activities, pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

Legislation Introduced to Strip Trump's Protection

The fallout from the assassination attempt has not been limited to the Secret Service. On Capitol Hill, Democrat Rep. Bennie Thompson introduced legislation aimed at stripping President Trump of his Secret Service detail if he is convicted of any crimes. This proposal has drawn sharp criticism from Trump’s supporters, with Tucker Carlson going so far as to describe it as “a death threat.”

The broader implications of this legislative push are yet to be seen, but it underscores the growing tensions surrounding the Secret Service and its ability to protect current and former leaders.

Kennedy’s situation is further complicated by his continued presence on the ballot in several blue states, even as he suspends his campaign.

His decision to endorse Trump in battleground states has surprised many and suggests that Kennedy is still strategically positioning himself in the ongoing political landscape.

Conclusion: Secret Service Under Fire as Kennedy Campaign Ends

The end of Secret Service protection for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. comes at a time when the agency is already reeling from significant criticism.

The assassination attempt on former President Trump has exposed vulnerabilities within the Secret Service, leading to the resignation of its director and the reassignment of several key officials.

As Kennedy suspends his campaign, the political ramifications continue to unfold, with new legislative efforts and ongoing security concerns dominating the discourse.