Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Denied Secret Service Protection: Senator Ted Cruz Urges DHS to Provide Answers

Senator Ted Cruz, a member of the Judiciary Committee, has called on Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Alejandro Mayorkas to explain the Biden administration’s rejection of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s request for Secret Service protection. Kennedy, who recently announced his independent bid for the 2024 presidential election, had his request denied by the DHS after 88 days of no response, despite receiving numerous threats.

According to internal Secret Service documents obtained by government watchdog group Judicial Watch, the DHS determined that Secret Service protection for Kennedy was “not warranted at this time.” This decision came despite the recorded threats against Kennedy and the fact that the typical turnaround for such a request is usually two weeks.

The documents also revealed that the Secret Service is aware of the increased media attention Kennedy has received after accusing the Central Intelligence Agency of involvement in the assassination of his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, and advocating for the release of the individual imprisoned for assassinating his father, Robert F. Kennedy. Kennedy has also been outspoken against COVID-19 vaccines.

In a letter to Secretary Mayorkas, Senator Cruz demanded answers regarding the length of time it took for Kennedy to receive a response, how the denial of service was justified, and what information would be required to justify Secret Service protection, if not for the threats Kennedy is reportedly facing.

Cruz pointed out the precedent set by previous major presidential candidates who received Secret Service protection well over 120 days before the general election, including Donald Trump, Dr. Ben Carson, then-Senator Barack Obama, and Senator Ted Kennedy. Cruz questioned why Kennedy’s exceptional circumstances did not warrant the same level of protection.

Following the denial of his request, an armed man was arrested at one of Kennedy’s campaign events in Los Angeles, charged with carrying a loaded firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, and impersonating a Deputy United States Marshal. Two weeks later, Secret Service records revealed credible threats against Kennedy, including concerning letters and threatening emails, raising concerns of potential assassination attempts due to his Kennedy affiliation.

The alarming statements revealed in the Secret Service records included individuals expressing a desire to “discuss sins” with Kennedy and warning of a potential “serious terrorist act” by a “madman.” Another individual sent threatening emails, vowing to “bury” Kennedy and cause harm to everyone around him.

Kennedy, in a July post, expressed frustration that since the assassination of his father in 1968, presidential candidates have been provided Secret Service protection, except for him.

Senator Cruz urged Secretary Mayorkas to act swiftly and provide Kennedy with the protection that his exceptional circumstances clearly warrant. Cruz called attention to the tragic assassinations of Kennedy’s father and uncle in the 1960s, highlighting the importance of ensuring the safety of a major presidential candidate.

In response to Senator Cruz’s letter, the DHS stated that they respond to congressional correspondence directly via official channels and will continue to respond appropriately to Congressional oversight.

As Kennedy continues his independent campaign for the presidency in 2024, the issue of his denied Secret Service protection raises concerns about his safety and highlights the need for questioning and transparency regarding the decision-making process at the DHS.