Secret Service Protection Assigned to RFK Jr. Post Trump Assassination Attempt

Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been granted Secret Service protection following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, the Biden administration announced on Monday. This decision comes after increasing calls for enhanced security measures in light of recent events.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas confirmed the move during a White House press briefing. “In light of this weekend’s events, the president has directed me to work with the Secret Service to provide protection to Robert Kennedy Jr.,” he stated.

Kennedy, who has a tragic family history with political assassinations, had previously been denied Secret Service protection despite polling strongly in some surveys. Both his father, U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, and his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, were assassinated.

• The Secret Service’s official stance allows for “major” presidential candidates to receive protection, but the decision is at the discretion of the Homeland Security Department.

• Previously, Mayorkas deemed Kennedy's protection "not warranted," a decision Kennedy criticized as another example of governmental bias against President Biden's political opponents.

The assassination attempt on Trump at a Pennsylvania rally over the weekend intensified the pressure for increased candidate security. A bullet grazed Trump's right ear during the attack, raising alarms about the adequacy of current protection measures.

Trump voiced his support for Kennedy’s security on Truth Social, emphasizing the importance of protection given the current global climate and the Kennedy family's history. “In light of what is going on in the world today, I believe it is imperative that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. receive Secret Service protection — immediately,” Trump posted.

Kennedy responded positively to Trump’s support on social media, expressing hope for national unity. “It is a hopeful sign for our country when a political opponent calls for one’s protection. Maybe our country can unite after all,” Kennedy posted on X.

Kennedy’s campaign began as a Democratic bid but shifted to an independent run due to frustrations with the Democratic Party’s lack of primary debates and other issues. His running mate is Nicole Shanahan.

The provision of Secret Service protection to Kennedy marks a significant development in the current political climate, reflecting heightened concerns over candidate safety and the potential for political violence.

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