Staff Reports
In a surprising turn of events, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a Democratic presidential contender, revealed that he was denied Secret Service protection, despite his family’s tragic history with political violence. Kennedy, who is the son of former United States Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, expressed his frustration on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
Since the assassination of my father in 1968, candidates for president are provided Secret Service protection. But not me.
Typical turnaround time for pro forma protection requests from presidential candidates is 14-days. After 88-days of no response and after several…— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) July 28, 2023
“Since the assassination of my father in 1968, candidates for president are provided Secret Service protection. But not me,” Kennedy posted. He went on to highlight that the normal turnaround time for protection requests is 14 days, yet his campaign had received no response after 88 days of waiting.
The Department of Homeland Security, under the leadership of Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, rejected Kennedy’s request for Secret Service detail. This decision came despite a 67-page report that detailed the safety and security risks he faces as a high-profile candidate.
As a fervent member of the prestigious Kennedy family, it is puzzling why Kennedy Jr. was denied the same protection that previous candidates have received. This denial raises questions about the Biden administration’s commitment to the safety of all presidential contenders.
While there may not be specific guidelines on what qualifies a candidate as “major,” it seems logical that the nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, who himself was assassinated, would be considered a notable candidate deserving of protection. The fact that Kennedy was denied Secret Service detail at this early stage in the presidential cycle is deeply troubling.
It is important to ensure the safety of all candidates, regardless of political affiliation. Denying someone like Kennedy Jr. protections that have been standard for decades sends a concerning message. All candidates should be able to campaign without fear of violence or harm. It is the responsibility of the government to prioritize the security of those seeking the highest office in the land, and in this case, it appears they have fallen short.
