Austin News

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has written a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas demanding answers after the Secret Service denied protection to presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Despite Kennedy's campaign providing a 67-page report detailing serious threats to his safety, the Secret Service denied protection, even though they admitted that Kennedy is likely at risk for assassination.

In the letter, Senator Cruz expressed his concern by stating, "Since your decision to refuse Mr. Kennedy protection and determining 'it [was] not warranted,' an armed man was arrested at one of his campaign events in Los Angeles and subsequently charged with carrying a loaded firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, and impersonating a Deputy United States Marshal."

Senator Cruz raised several questions in his letter, including why it took 88 days instead of the standard 14 days for the Secret Service to determine that Kennedy did not require protection. He also demanded justification considering the security lapse when an armed man impersonating a Deputy U.S. Marshal showed up at a Kennedy event. Senator Cruz expects answers to these questions by October 31.

The letter highlights the delay in responding to Kennedy's request for protection, which took 88 days instead of the usual 14. It also mentions that Kennedy had received numerous credible threats and was deemed to be at an elevated risk for adverse attention. The Secret Service's own assessment revealed "behaviors of interest" and acknowledged that Kennedy is likely at risk of assassination due to his Kennedy family lineage.

Furthermore, the letter brings attention to the fact that previous major presidential candidates, such as Donald Trump, Dr. Ben Carson, then-Senator Barack Obama, and Senator Ted Kennedy, received Secret Service protection well over 120 days before the general election. Senator Cruz questions whether Kennedy is under less threat than these candidates and asks for an explanation for the discrepancy.

Senator Cruz concludes the letter by urging swift action to provide Kennedy with the protection that his exceptional circumstances clearly warrant.

The full text of the letter can be found on Senator Cruz's official website.

This incident raises concerns about the Secret Service's decision-making process and the level of protection provided to presidential candidates. It also highlights the need for transparency and accountability in assessing and addressing potential threats to the safety of political figures.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-cruz-demands-answers-from-homeland-security-department-after-secret-service-denied-protection-to-presidential-candidate-robert-f-kennedy-jr