Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was denied Secret Service protection even though the agency determined he was at high “risk for adverse attention,” documents show.
Eleven pages of records obtained by Judicial Watch, a government watchdog group, show that the Biden administration’s Secret Service conducted “protective intelligence assessments” of long-term presidential candidates and document several specific threats directed at RFK Jr.
“Kennedy’s family history, controversial views on vaccines, and his status as a challenger to President Biden for the Democratic presidential nomination increase his risk of negative publicity,” the threat assessment said.
The report highlighted six “behavior of interest,” in which individuals — some of whom were already known to the Secret Service — had directed threats at Kennedy Jr. – some against his life.
Records from the Secret Service show that the agency has evaluated various threats that have been made against Robert F. Kennedy Jr.Getty Images
“A known subject [Redacted] sent a nonsensical letter to the hotel where Kennedy held his presidential campaign announcement event [redacted] warned the ‘lunatic’ might commit ‘serious acts of terrorism’ and wanted to discuss his sins with Kennedy,” the report stated, describing one such threat. “[Redacted] is a record with USSS [Secret Service] since March 2023 after he sent a nonsensical letter to President Biden with the same rhetoric. The USSS investigation is complete.”
In another threat reviewed by the Secret Service, “Known subject [Redacted] frequently sent threatening emails, stating he would ‘bury’ Kennedy, ‘everyone would die,’ and that he would make Kennedy ‘suffer.’
The report also notes the case of a seemingly crazed stalker contacting Kennedy Jr.
The Biden administration’s Secret Service refused to offer protection to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., arguing that the general election was still too far away. Nathan Howard – Pool via CNP / MEGA
“A known subject [Redacted] sent various packages, including gifts and a wedding ring, to Kennedy [Redacted] stated that he loved Kennedy and expressed anger at being kept from him,” the assessment read.
Other cases highlighted by the agency described crazed individuals sending manifestos with “absurd religious references” to candidates’ homes and accusing RFK Jr. of “spying” on them.
RFK Jr., whose uncle – former President John F. Kennedy – and father – former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy – were both assassinated, have so far been denied Secret Service protection, despite threats.
Emails obtained by Judicial Watch show Secret Service officials recommended that “outward-facing messages” on the topic of protection for RFK Jr. highlights that most Secret Service protection requests are only granted when a general election is less than a year away.
“In addition to the numbered guidelines on the FEC’s filing and voting requirements, I recommend any outward-facing messaging include attached language as well,” wrote the official, whose name was redacted.
“Protection under these guidelines should only be given within one year before the general election. “Coverage more than one year before a general election can only be granted in exceptional circumstances, on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the committee, based on threat assessment and other factors,” the guidelines read.
“The Biden administration’s refusal to grant Secret Service protection to Mr. Kennedy is dangerous and vindictive,” Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said in a statement. “This FOIA request and our new lawsuit seek the full truth about why Mr. Kennedy’s life was put at unnecessary risk by the Biden administration.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
