RFK Jr. will receive Secret Service detail, DHS head says

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Monday said he would provide a protection detail for third-party presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. U.S. President Joe Biden ordered that Kennedy receive Secret Service protection, Mayorkas said. Former President Donald Trump on Monday called for Kennedy to receive a Secret Service detail, just days after a gunman’s bullet grazed Trump’s ear. It was essential that Kennedy receive security due to recent events, Trump said.

By law, Secret Service doesn’t determine who to protect, or initiate protection. It relies on the Secretary of Homeland Security to define who the major presidential and vice presidential candidates are, according to its website.

What does Kennedy have to say about this? Kennedy on Monday thanked President Biden for granting him Secret Service protection. In an earlier statement, Kennedy also expressed his appreciation to Trump for calling for him to receive a protection detail. Kennedy has sought Secret Service protection for over a year while campaigning for president.

Dig deeper: Read R. Albert Mohler, Jr.’s column in WORLD Opinions about the attempt on Trump’s life.