During a campaign event for Democratic presidential candidate Robert Kennedy Jr. in Los Angeles, an armed individual was apprehended by private security personnel. The suspect was reportedly wearing shoulder holsters with loaded pistols, carrying spare ammunition magazines, and had a U.S. Marshal badge on a lanyard, along with a federal ID clipped to their belt.
Kennedy made this incident public on social media, where he also expressed his desire for Secret Service protection, citing a historical denial of such protection by the White House.
In 1968, following the assassination of Democratic nominee Robert F. Kennedy, Congress modified the law to provide Secret Service protection to major presidential and vice-presidential candidates and their spouses within 120 days of a general presidential election. Notably, former President Barack Obama received Secret Service protection in May 2007, an uncommonly early measure.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has not disclosed the suspect’s identity or detailed charges at this time.
FAQs related Robert Kennedy Jr.’s Campaign Event
Who is Robert Kennedy Jr.?
Robert Kennedy Jr. is a Democratic presidential candidate.
What happened at the campaign event in Los Angeles?
An armed individual with a U.S. Marshal badge attempted to approach Robert Kennedy Jr. but was detained by Kennedy’s private security team until the LAPD arrived.
What did the suspect have on them?
The suspect had shoulder holsters with loaded pistols, spare ammunition magazines, a U.S. Marshal badge on a lanyard, and a federal ID on a belt clip.
Why did Robert Kennedy Jr. publicly mention this incident?
Kennedy made this incident public on social media to highlight his request for Secret Service protection and the historical denial of such protection by the White House.
When are major presidential candidates eligible for Secret Service protection?
According to the Secret Service website, major presidential and vice-presidential candidates, along with their spouses, are eligible for Secret Service protection within 120 days of a general presidential election.
Has any presidential candidate been denied Secret Service protection before?
Robert Kennedy Jr. claims to be the first presidential candidate in history to have his request for Secret Service protection denied by the White House.
When did former President Barack Obama receive Secret Service protection?
Barack Obama received Secret Service protection in May 2007, which was considered an unusually early step at the time.
Has the LAPD disclosed the suspect’s identity or charges?
No, the LAPD has not provided information about the suspect’s identity or the specific charges they may face in connection with the incident.
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