Robert Kennedy Jr.'s third request for Secret Service protection denied by Biden administration

Despite numerous requests and a series of incidents that arguably posed a serious danger to his safety, independent presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has again been rejected in his request for protective assistance from the United States Secret Service, as the Daily Caller explains.

The outlet cited a letter obtained by the Desert News that appeared to confirm the Biden administration's continued denial.

Protection denied

As the Deseret News noted, the most recent refusal of help came after Kennedy's third request and amid ongoing threats made against the candidate and his family.

According to a letter signed by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, candidate protection of the sort customarily afforded many of those seeking the highest office in the land was deemed “not warranted.”

In the communication to Kennedy, Mayorkas wrote, “I have consulted with an advisory committee composed of the Speaker of the House, the House Minority Leader, the Senate Majority Leader, the Senate Minority Leader, and the Senate Sergeant and Arms.”

“Based on the facts and the recommendation of the advisory committee, I have determined that Secret Service protection for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is not warranted at this time,” he added.

Availability of protection

As the Deseret News explains, federal law authorizes that protection may be given to “major” presidential and vice-presidential candidates.

However, the Homeland Security secretary retains authority to decide which candidates meet that definition, something that is generally done in consultation with congressional leadership.

Criteria said to be used in making that assessment include a threat evaluation from the Secret Service itself and recent polling data indicative of the candidate's level of public support.

In the case of an independent candidate such as Kennedy, the stated threshold is at least 20% support in the Real Clear Politics National Average over the course of 30 days in a row.

Kennedy's take

In support of his request for Secret Service protection, Kennedy has provided detailed information from a well-known private security firm “detailing unique and well-established security and safety risks aside from commonplace death threats” that he is currently facing.

Kennedy, for his part, believes he is without Secret Service protection because the Biden administration -- which views him as a serious rival in 2024 -- is using agency power as a weapon to “serve a political agenda,” and that is a hypothesis that undoubtedly resonates with millions of Americans.