The Secret Service is discontinuing its protection of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. following his suspension of the campaign and endorsement of former President Donald Trump. Kennedy plans to remain on the ballot in solid red and blue states despite stepping back from swing states. President Biden had ordered the Secret Service to protect Kennedy after the assassination attempt on Trump on July 13. Kennedy had previously requested protection several times due to security concerns and thwarted plots, but these requests were denied until the attack on Trump.
RFK Jr.’s team once claimed to have received evidence of 34 credible threats against him, according to a Newsweek report. Given the assassinations of his father, Robert F. Kennedy, and his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, in the 1960s, Kennedy suggested that the decision to deny his protection requests may have been politically motivated, some believe. Just over a month after being granted Secret Service protection, the agency will end its coverage as Kennedy has effectively withdrawn from the race.
The Secret Service generally protects the president, vice president, first lady, their immediate family members, former presidents, visiting heads of state, children of former presidents until they turn 16, former first ladies, and leading presidential candidates. However, once candidates withdraw from the race, their level of protection is usually significantly reduced or completely discontinued. But the fact that Kennedy is remaining on ballots in most states should make the agency continue to protect him for the time being. Technically, Kennedy is still a presidential candidate, as he announced his intention to remain on the ballot in less competitive states.
BREAKING: Secret Service will no longer provide security for RFK Jr – NBC News
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) August 25, 2024
The Secret Service, meanwhile, made a big announcement on Friday in relation to the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump’s life last month in Pennsylvania. The agency has taken disciplinary action against five agents from the 60-member detail assigned to former President Donald Trump, sources report, suspending them after a 20-year-old assailant nearly took Trump’s life while killing a rallygoer and wounding two more.
RealClearPolitics has been covering the ongoing turmoil within the Secret Service, highlighting significant issues affecting its upper ranks. The agency’s presidential details, which are among the most prestigious and demanding assignments for agents, have been under scrutiny since the July 13th shooting. The incident has exposed further security lapses and misconduct among agents. Earlier this month, a bipartisan House committee conducted a thorough review of the agency’s personnel and procedures. Friday’s suspensions of the five agents seem to be a direct response to the pressures faced by Acting Director Robert Rowe to implement accountability.
Even though he's still on the ballot in many states and has become a de facto part of the ticket.
And he's a Kennedy.
The regime Secret Service is a disgrace.
Trump, Vance, Kennedy, and Musk must now be surrounded by elite private security forces.— Albert Latham (@albert1776) August 25, 2024
Multiple agents from the Secret Service’s Pittsburgh Field Office have been placed on administrative leave, according to separate sources. This move highlights the urgency for Acting Director Robert Rowe to demonstrate control and reassure lawmakers following the resignation of former Director Kimberly Cheatle.
Administrative leave is used for federal employees who are temporarily removed from their duties due to investigations into misconduct or for medical or mental health reasons. During this period, employees typically continue to receive pay and benefits, although this is at the discretion of senior officials. Another group of agents, despite also being involved in the security arrangements for the fatal rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has been assigned to continue protecting Trump, the outlet reported.
The differing outcomes for the agents involved have caused frustration within the Secret Service, as personnel debate who bears the most responsibility for the security lapses. The FBI, which is conducting its own investigation, has reported that the Secret Service did not maintain clear communication with local authorities responsible for securing the perimeter of the Trump rally. The lapse allowed gunman Thomas Crooks, 20, to climb onto a warehouse roof and fire a high-powered rifle. During a July 30th congressional hearing, Rowe expressed his confusion over why Cheatle or the agents managing the event failed to secure the rooftop the shooter used, which was in perfect line of sight to Trump.
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