Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will receive Secret Service protection, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced Monday.
“In light of the events of this weekend, the president has directed me to work with the Secret Service to provide protection for Robert Kennedy Jr.,” he told reporters at the daily White House briefing.
Calls are growing for Kennedy to receive Secret Service protection following the assassination attempt at former President Trump’s rally on Saturday.
Trump joined calls for Kennedy to get protection on Monday, writing in Truth Social that he believes “it is imperative” that he get protection “immediately.”
“Given the history of the Kennedy Family, this is the right thing to do!” Trump added.
Kennedy’s father, former Attorney General Robert Kennedy, was assassinated while running for president. And his uncle, former President Kennedy, was assassinated in office.
Kennedy has long sought Secret Service privilege and said last year that his official request was denied.
The Secret Service isauthorized to protectmajor presidential and vice-presidential candidates and their spouses within 120 days after a general presidential election.
Mayorkas, as Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with an advisory committee of House and Senate leadership, is responsible for determining which candidates fall into this “prime” category.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
