Kennedy, though a longshot for the presidency, draws large crowds. Biden directed protection “both prior to and after the events of this past weekend,” said Mayorkas.
Legally, the Secret Service protects major party candidates 120 days before an election, while third-party candidates receive protection as needed. The Department of Homeland Security noted an increase in early protection requests in its 2024 budget overview.
Mayorkas emphasized the current “heightened and very dynamic threat environment,” noting increased violent rhetoric since the Trump rally attack, and said both Biden and Trump are “constantly the subject of threats.”
Kennedy, previously a Democratic challenger to Biden, points to his polling as evidence of campaign strength, similar to Gary Johnson’s 2016 bid.
Trump officially became the Republican nominee on Monday at the Republican National Convention. He was not seriously injured in the Pennsylvania shooting, which is under independent review. Enhanced protection for Trump reflects evolving threats and his nomination status.
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