Kennedy Requests Secret Service Protection on Anniversary of Father’s Assassination

On the 56th anniversary of his father’s assassination, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made a plea for Secret Service protection as an independent presidential candidate, citing his family history as a reason for being at an elevated risk of being targeted. Despite multiple requests over the past year, Mr. Kennedy has been denied Secret Service protection, with the decision ultimately resting with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

Mr. Kennedy highlighted several incidents that he believes demonstrate his need for additional security, including break-ins at his home and an armed man being arrested at a campaign event. However, the criteria for receiving Secret Service protection heavily favor major-party candidates, with a polling threshold of 15 percent for Democrats and Republicans, and 20 percent for independents like Mr. Kennedy.

The rules surrounding Secret Service protection for presidential candidates have evolved over time, with third-party candidates historically facing restrictions. While some exceptions have been made in the past, Mr. Kennedy’s polling numbers fall below the threshold required for protection. He pointed out that candidates with lower polling numbers have received protection in the past, but those cases typically involved major-party candidates.

Despite his efforts to secure Secret Service protection, Mr. Kennedy continues to be denied, raising questions about the criteria used to determine eligibility for such security measures. As the campaign season heats up, the issue of candidate safety and security is likely to remain a topic of discussion.