RFK Jr. Receiving Secret Service Protection

(USNewsBreak.com) – There was an attempt on the former president’s life on Saturday, July 13. Donald Trump was speaking before a Butler, Pennsylvania, crowd when gunshots rang out, injuring him and three attendees, one fatally. That has led to calls for increased protection for future events. Now, President Joe Biden has authorized the Secret Service to provide independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. with protection as well.

On Monday, two days after the attempted assassination, Trump spoke out on TRUTH Social, saying it was “imperative” that Kennedy get the added protection because of “what is going on in the world today.” Others agreed, and two House representatives, Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Ritchie Torres (D-NY), said they planned to introduce legislation enhancing the protection for Kennedy, Biden, and Trump.

Biden Gives Secret Service Protection To RFK Jr After Assassination Attempt On Trumphttps://t.co/BGQzSdbKVn

— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) July 16, 2024

The Department of Homeland Security told POLITICO it had received a request for such coverage on Sunday and was reviewing it. The following day, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced Kennedy would receive coverage and Trump, Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris would receive “enhancements” to their security. Additionally, since the former president named his running mate, Senator JD Vance (R-OH), Mayorkas said he would also receive “the appropriate level of security.”

In light of the events on Saturday, the Secret Service has been under scrutiny for its perceived failures in securing the area where Trump was speaking. Initial reports say the federal agency relied too heavily on local police, especially for tactical missions. The shooter allegedly obtained access to scale a building outside the location and perch on the roof, firing as many as five shots before a Secret Service sniper shot and killed him.

Biden has expressed continued faith in Director Kimberly Cheatle. Mayorkas said he has “100 percent confidence” in the agency while acknowledging the Secret Service failed in its mission to protect Trump at the same time.