Overview

• Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claims the Biden administration rejected his request for Secret Service protection as a 2024 presidential candidate.
• Kennedy invoked the assassination of his father Robert F. Kennedy during his 1968 campaign to argue for the historical precedent of candidates receiving protection.
• The Department of Homeland Security took 88 days to respond before denying Kennedy's request, saying protection was not warranted at this time.
• Factors in determining Secret Service eligibility include being a major party nominee, actively campaigning, fundraising and polling thresholds, and assessment of threats.
• Secret Service protection is typically provided within 120 days of a general presidential election, but the 2024 race is still early in the primary calendar.