RFK Jr. Loses Secret Service Protection After Suspending Campaign and Supporting Trump.

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has lost his Secret Service protection following his announcement on August 23 that he is suspending his campaign in 10 battleground states and endorsing former President Donald Trump. Kennedy's decision to back Trump and withdraw from key states has led to the termination of his security detail, a move confirmed by Secret Service chief of communications, Anthony Guglielmi.

Kennedy, who had previously struggled to secure Secret Service protection, was granted it only after an assassination attempt on Trump on July 13. The attack, which resulted in injuries and the death of a former fire chief, prompted Trump to publicly call for Kennedy to receive protection. Following this, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas authorized Kennedy's security, citing a "heightened and very dynamic threat environment."

However, the Secret Service typically withdraws protection from presidential candidates who suspend their campaigns. Kennedy's announcement that he would continue his run in the remaining 40 states but drop out of key battlegrounds triggered the end of his security detail. Kennedy's press secretary, Stefanie Spear, confirmed on August 25 that Kennedy no longer has Secret Service protection.

Kennedy's campaign has faced numerous challenges, including allegations of political motivations behind the repeated denials of Secret Service protection. Kennedy claimed that these denials were part of a broader trend of federal agencies being used to advance political agendas. He also highlighted the significant financial burden his campaign endured, having to invest millions in private security before receiving federal protection.

As Kennedy shifts his focus to supporting Trump, questions remain about his future security arrangements. His campaign has not indicated whether he will retain private security from Gavin de Becker & Associates, who previously provided protection. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to inquiries from The Epoch Times regarding Kennedy’s current security situation.

Kennedy’s loss of Secret Service protection comes amidst a backdrop of security incidents, including armed individuals targeting his campaign events and home. The move underscores the complex interplay between security measures and political dynamics as the 2024 election approaches.

Citations: - The Epoch Times for statements from Kennedy’s press secretary and Secret Service communications.

- DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas’s statements about the protection authorization.

- Donald Trump’s posts on Truth Social regarding Kennedy’s need for protection.

- Details from internal documents and discussions about Kennedy’s security.

 - Information about Gavin de Becker & Associates from previous reporting on Kennedy’s security measures.