In a recent opinion piece titled “Why is Biden administration denying Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Secret Service protection?” veteran investigative journalist David Marks accuses the Biden administration of denying Secret Service protection to independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for political reasons.
The article, published last weekend, raises concerns about the potential political motivations behind this decision.
Marks, known for his extensive work with PBS and the BBC, reflects on the historical context of the Kennedy family and the impact of the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy in the 1960s.
Marks argues that the wounds inflicted by these tragic events continue to affect the nation, shaping a divisive political culture that persists to this day.
“In the 1960s, the assassinations of two members of the Kennedy family marred an era of idealistic hope for the future of the United States,” said Marks. “Those who recall the deaths of President John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert F. Kennedy recognize that these catastrophic moments in history wounded us deeply and tore at the soul of the nation. Unhealed, existential scars continue to impact and undermine our democracy.”
“The demise of John and Robert Kennedy were key markers in the rise of a divisive culture that has dominated Washington and influenced politics everywhere,” said Marks
The focus of Marks’ concern lies in the fact that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a presidential candidate with a vision for healing divisions in the United States, has been denied Secret Service protection despite credible threats to his safety.
Marks highlights incidents such as an intruder entering Kennedy’s home and an armed man posing as a U.S. marshal attempting to get close to him at a political event. These incidents, coupled with online threats, underscore the elevated risk faced by Kennedy as he gains momentum in his independent run for the presidency.
“Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign emphasizes the need to heal divisions in the United States and reestablish a responsible and honorable government,” said Marks. “Whether or not we agree with his perspectives, as a strong presidential candidate with high visibility and the backdrop of history, Kennedy deserves Secret Service protection.”
Marks emphasizes that irrespective of political differences, Kennedy deserves government protection as a serious presidential contender.
“The risk to any Kennedy family member running for office has been extreme since his uncle and father were killed,” said Marks. “But even direct threats to his safety have not initiated this necessary security.”
“Reasonable consideration and the law entitle him to government protection. Yet this has not happened — despite a comprehensive official application from the Kennedy campaign and requests from leading politicians,” said Marks, who blames President Joe Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for refusing to approve Secret Service protection.
The Secret Service itself has recognized the elevated risk to Kennedy, making the denial even more perplexing. Marks contends that the decision to withhold protection appears to be politically motivated, fueled by a fear of a Kennedy White House among opponents in Washington.
The journalist argues that denying Secret Service protection not only jeopardizes Kennedy’s safety but also reinforces suspicions about the questionable reasons for denying safeguards to a prominent candidate.
Marks asserts that this decision, driven by political agendas rather than security concerns, fairness, truth, or justice, is inappropriate and must be repudiated and reversed.
“This is an inappropriate decision. The peril to Kennedy is palpable as his independent run gains momentum. This has furthered suspicions about the questionable reasons for denying to safeguard a prominent candidate,” said Marks. “The government has no credible excuse for refusing to guard him. The political motivation is apparent.”
“The fear of a Kennedy White House among his opponents in Washington has generated an atmosphere of contempt for him — allowing any ploy to diminish his prospects,” said Marks. “This unspoken fact is clear: Secret Service protection would highlight Kennedy’s stature as a viable front-runner. It would counter the shameless ongoing tactics of disparaging and marginalizing a serious contender for the presidency.”
In conclusion, Marks states that the consequence of this ruling places the responsibility for any harm that may befall Kennedy on the shoulders of the administration. He calls for a reversal of this decision, emphasizing the need for policy to be determined by considerations of security, fairness, truth, and justice rather than political agendas.
“This misguided decision must be repudiated and reversed,” said Marks.
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