Secret Service Ends Protection For RFK Jr.

At a Glance

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspended his third-party presidential bid and endorsed former President Donald Trump.
Following his decision to leave the race, Kennedy lost his Secret Service protection.
President Biden had directed the Secret Service to protect Kennedy after an assassination attempt against Trump in July.
Kennedy’s legal team claims evidence of 34 threats or concerning screeds against him.

Security Termination Amid Political Shifts

The Secret Service has ceased security protection for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after he suspended his third-party presidential bid and endorsed former President Donald Trump. Kennedy’s decision to halt his campaign and endorse Trump, seen as unexpected by many, leaves questions regarding the standards and decision-making processes behind terminating such critical protection.

Under federal law, the Secret Service must protect major presidential candidates and their spouses within 120 days of a general election. President Biden ordered the protective detail on Kennedy due to heightened threats following an assassination attempt on Trump in July. The Secret Service confirmed Kennedy is no longer receiving their protection despite legal obligations and the significant public profile he maintains.

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Consequences of Threat Exposure

Reports show Kennedy had lobbied for Secret Service protection for months, citing various security scares. His legal team identified 34 threats or concerning screeds against him. Kennedy, by stepping down, exposes himself to risks similar to those witnessed during the attack on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, which resulted in the tragic death of firefighter Corey Comperatore and injuries to two other individuals.

“Mr. Kennedy no longer has USSS,” Kennedy’s press secretary Stefanie Spear confirmed. This development draws parallels to the assassinations of his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, and his father, Bobby Kennedy. The risk factor is compounded given the emotional and historical significance attached to the Kennedy family regarding public service and security.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who suspended his third-party presidential bid last week and endorsed former President Donald Trump, has lost his Secret Service protection following the decision to leave the race, his campaign said. https://t.co/sclufuy7jE

— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 25, 2024

Political Realignment and Public Safety

Kennedy stated his endorsement for Trump hinged on the belief that his continued presence in the race would harm Trump’s chances, thereby aiding Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. “These are the principal causes that persuaded me to leave the Democratic Party and run as an independent, and now to throw my support to President Trump,” Kennedy declared in Phoenix. He also hinted at future collaboration with Trump, potentially filling a key administrative role if Trump is re-elected.

Five of Kennedy’s family members deemed his support for Trump as “a sad ending to a sad story,” underlining internal strife his decision has caused. Meanwhile, Trump has promised to establish commissions to investigate assassination attempts and childhood diseases if elected, potentially indicating an agenda that values public safety but leaving Kennedy vulnerable until then.

Amidst political pressures, the Secret Service faces multiple probes into the July incident, undertaken by a bipartisan House task force, the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Inspector General. This scrutiny serves as a reminder of the critical role these services play in shielding public figures from evolving threats, a matter yet to see resolution for Kennedy.