Documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request show that the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has opted against providing Secret Service protection for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. despite serious threats to the son of the assassinated 1968 presidential candidate.
The documents, obtained following a lawsuit filed against DHS, indicate that Assistant Director Michael Plati directed his staff not to respond to a request for information from Kennedy’s head of security.
These records also confirm that DHS Secretary Alexander Mayorkas and President Biden retain discretion over granting Secret Service protection to Kennedy.
Kennedy, a notable public figure and potential candidate for the 2024 presidential election, had sought Secret Service protection citing security concerns. However, the decision not to grant protection raises questions about the eligibility criteria and decision-making process involved.
Among the obtained records is a redacted report titled “Protective Intelligence Assessment – 2024 Presidential Candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.,” dated June 2, 2023. Additionally, an email exchange reveals internal deliberations within the Secret Service regarding a protection request received from Kennedy’s campaign.
Despite documented threats against Kennedy from “known subjects” and the campaign’s request for protection, DHS declined to provide Secret Service coverage. This decision has sparked concerns regarding the transparency and fairness of the process, particularly given Kennedy’s high-profile status and the potential risks associated with his candidacy.
Furthermore, the documents outline the criteria for determining eligibility for Secret Service protection, including factors such as public candidacy announcements, national campaign activities, threat assessments, and polling averages. However, the decision-making process remains opaque, with significant discretion vested in DHS officials.
The refusal to grant protection to Kennedy, despite documented threats and the discretionary authority of DHS officials, has drawn criticism from various quarters.
Calls for transparency and accountability regarding DHS’s decision-making processes are gaining momentum, with concerns over potential biases and inconsistencies.
The revelations from the obtained documents shed light on the intricacies and potential challenges within the process of providing Secret Service protection to political figures. As the debate over Kennedy’s security continues, the DHS’s decision remains a subject of scrutiny and debate.
For more information, the documents pertaining to this matter can be accessed here.