Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has experienced more security incidents than any candidate this cycle, probably because he has yet to be afforded Secret Service protection. A little over a month ago, an armed man impersonated a U.S. Marshal and infiltrated one of his campaign events in Los Angeles, not far from the place where RFK Jr’s father was assassinated. Even after that incident, the Biden administration refused calls for Secret Service protection for the candidate.
Then, a mentally ill person made it to the 2nd floor of Kennedy’s Los Angeles-area residence before being apprehended.
On Wednesday he experienced yet another security incident, where a deranged stalker who’s known to law enforcement climbed the fence at Kennedy’s home was arrested. The man was immediately released, then went back to Kennedy’s residence, climbed the fence again, and was apprehended and arrested again.
DHS Secretary Mayorkas has twice refused to grant Secret Service protection for our campaign. For full transparency, here are all the details, including the 3rd formal submission letter to Sec. Mayorkashttps://t.co/bHU96NoLqc
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) October 26, 2023
As the campaign describes:
On Wednesday an intruder was arrested after climbing a fence at the residence of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Protectors from Gavin de Becker & Associates (GDBA) detected and detained the intruder, who asked to see the candidate. The intruder was turned over to the LAPD.
After being released from police custody, the man immediately returned to Kennedy’s residence and was arrested again. The candidate was home at the time of both arrests.
GDBA had notified the Secret Service about this specific obsessed individual several times in recent months and shared alarming communications he has sent to the candidate.
Over the last several months, the campaign submitted formal requests for Secret Service protection, yet U.S. Department of Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas has refused to approve the protection. Every presidential administration for 55 years has afforded early protection to candidates who requested it. The Biden administration is the sole outlier.
While undoubtedly part of the problem is Los Angeles County’s terrible District Attorney, George Gascon, who’s allowed these repeat criminals back out on the streets, and the zero cash bail system he advocated, it’s also clear that RFK Jr’s family history and profile is an attractive target for whackos, and that Kennedy needs Secret Service protection.
The campaign website features a detailed letter from Kennedy’s campaign to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas outlining the threats RFK Jr. has faced since becoming a candidate and an assessment from Gavin de Becker, Kennedy’s security chief, warning that members of the Kennedy family and law enforcement are also at risk due to this continued refusal from the Biden administration to provide Secret Service protection.
That the Biden administration is continuing to deprive Kennedy of Secret Service protection is unconscionable. This isn’t a case of a candidate only relying on taxpayer-paid protection, either. Kennedy is doing all he can personally to protect himself, his wife, and his children, but they don’t have the intelligence apparatus the Secret Service has at their disposal. It’s hard to believe that Biden isn’t refusing to provide this protection out of spite for his competitor.