Staff Reports
Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently took to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to express his frustration with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for denying his request for Secret Service protection. In a tweet, Kennedy lamented that while candidates for president have historically been granted Secret Service protection since the assassination of his father in 1968, the Biden Administration had turned down his request after a painstakingly long 88-day wait.
Kennedy further disclosed that his campaign had submitted a comprehensive report of nearly 70 pages, outlining the unique security risks and threats he faces. But despite this, the DHS Secretary, Mayorkas, declared that Secret Service protection for Kennedy was not warranted at this time. It seems that Mayorkas, with his wide latitude to decide who qualifies for protection, has made a subjective determination in this case.
Hunter Biden gets a six-car Secret Service motorcade to take him to courtrooms in Delaware and Arkansas, where doors are opened and closed for him as if he were a prince. The Secret Service even rented a house next to his in Malibu for $30,000 per month. But Joe Biden has refused… https://t.co/8XMAkSB2NP
— Miranda Devine (@mirandadevine) July 28, 2023
Interestingly, Secret Service protection has been extended to candidates for president since 1968, following the tragic assassination of Kennedy’s father during his campaign. However, the decision to grant this protection rests solely with the DHS Secretary and an advisory committee, which includes influential members of government. The criteria for qualifying and the reasons behind the decision are often shrouded in secrecy.
Critics have seized on the denial of Kennedy’s request, pointing out that both his father and uncle were victims of political assassinations. They argue that granting him Secret Service protection would be the prudent and responsible action given his family history. Additionally, some conservative voices have drawn comparisons to the treatment of Hunter Biden, who seems to enjoy a certain level of excess protection given his family ties.
Former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino has publicly stated that the decision to deny Kennedy’s request appears politically motivated. Unfortunately, it seems that even in matters of personal security, politics may take precedence over ensuring the safety of presidential candidates.
It is concerning to witness the inconsistency in determining who qualifies for Secret Service protection. When Donald Trump ran for president, he was granted this privilege nearly a year before the election, while Barack Obama received it in May 2007, a staggering nine months before the Democratic primaries even began. This disparity raises serious questions about the politicization of security measures and the potential biases present within the DHS.
Ultimately, the denial of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s request for Secret Service protection not only undermines the safety of a presidential candidate with a notable family history of tragedy but also raises doubts about the fairness and objectivity of the process. While the official reasons for the denial remain unknown, it is apparent that political considerations may have played a role. The safety and security of candidates should never be compromised for partisan gain.
