Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) wrote a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, expressing concern over the lack of protection provided to 2024 presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
According to the letter dated Oct. 16, Cruz questioned the delay in responding to Kennedy’s request for Secret Service protection, which took 88 days instead of the usual 14-day turnaround.
Cruz highlighted an incident in Los Angeles where an armed man posing as a U.S. marshal was arrested at one of Kennedy’s events.
The letter stated that Kennedy’s original request for Secret Service protection included a comprehensive report from a private security firm, outlining numerous safety risks. The report also mentioned the incident in Los Angeles.
Secret Service Assessment
On Sept. 29, two weeks after the incident, government accountability organization Judicial Watch obtained 11 pages of Secret Service records that explained the denial of Kennedy’s protection request.
The records revealed that Kennedy had received threats from known individuals and was considered at a higher risk. The Secret Service assessment identified several security threats, as noted by Cruz.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) speaks on Title 42 immigration policy in Washington on May 3, 2023. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
In a letter sent to the hotel where Kennedy announced his presidential run, an individual expressed the desire to discuss their sins with Kennedy and warned of a potential terrorist act. Another person regularly sends threatening emails, vowing to harm Kennedy.
“Furthermore, the assessment acknowledged that Kennedy is at risk of assassination simply because he is a Kennedy,” Cruz stated.
The Secret Service also mentioned that Kennedy’s media attention, including his accusations against the CIA and his stance on COVID-19 vaccines, contributed to the perceived threats.
Cruz urged the DHS to promptly provide the necessary protection to Kennedy, emphasizing the exceptional circumstances he faces.
He requested an explanation for the delayed action and refusal to provide security despite the extraordinary threats. The DHS was given until Oct. 31 to respond.
Extra Protection for Candidates
According to U.S. law, the Secret Service is required to provide protection to major presidential and vice presidential candidates and their spouses within 120 days of the general election.
The decision on who qualifies as a major candidate lies with the DHS secretary, who consults with an advisory committee of Senate and House leadership.
Cruz pointed out that previous major candidates, such as Obama, Trump, Carson, and Ted Kennedy, received Secret Service protection well in advance of the 120-day threshold, setting a precedent for exceptions.
The letter questioned whether Obama faced more threats during his campaign than Kennedy does today.
While 120 days before a presidential election is the general threshold for granting Secret Service protection, candidates have often received protection much earlier.
The Trump administration approved Secret Service protection for Joe Biden 221 days earlier than required, and Obama received protection almost two years before the election, marking a historic first.
In a post on X, Kennedy stated that he is the first presidential candidate in history to be denied White House protection.
Cruz’s letter comes shortly after Kennedy’s announcement that he will run as an independent candidate.
“I’m here to join you in making a new Declaration of Independence for our entire nation,” Kennedy declared during a speech in Philadelphia on Oct. 9.
He criticized the two-party system and the influence of corporate interests on government officials.
Jeff Louderback contributed to this report.
How was the potential risk and danger to Kennedy assessed and addressed without the typical comprehensive evaluation provided by the private security firm?
Rom Secretary Mayorkas as to why the usual 14-day turnaround for Secret Service protection requests was not followed in Kennedy’s case. Cruz expressed concern over the potential risks and dangers faced by Kennedy, citing the incident in Los Angeles where an armed man posing as a U.S. marshal was arrested at one of Kennedy’s events.
The letter noted that Kennedy’s original request for Secret Service protection included a comprehensive report from a private
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