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BREAKING VIDEO: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suffers assassination scare — Armed man posing as U.S. Marshal arrested at Robert F. Kennedy Jr. event at Wilshire Ebell Theatre
Mario Nawfal
@MarioNawfal
BREAKING: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Assassination Scare | Heavily Armed Man Detained
A heavily armed man who posed as RFK's security was arrested at a campaign rally.
This comes after RFK's unsuccessful requests for Secret Service protection since declaring candidacy in April:
"I am the first presidential candidate in history to whom the White House has denied a request for protection."
"I'm still entertaining a hope that President Biden will allow me Secret Service protection."
Both RFK's father and uncle were assassinated, so this attempt is severely distressing for the Kennedy family.
WHAT HAPPENED:
RFK's security detail did not recognize the man, who was heavily armed, in protective gear, and with a U.S. Marshal badge, and detained him until police arrived on the scene.
Following the arrival of police, the unnamed man was then arrested.
The man is now likely to be charged with impersonating a police officer or federal agent and possibly unlawful possession of firearms.
STATEMENTS BY RFK:
- "The man, wearing two shoulder holsters with loaded pistols and spare ammunition magazines was carrying a U.S. Marshal badge on a lanyard and beltclip federal ID."
- "He identified himself as a member of my security detail."
- "Armed GDBA team members moved quickly to isolate and detain the man until LAPD arrived to make the arrest."
WHY NO SECRET SERVICE PROTECTION?
In July, RFK's request for Secret Service protection was denied by the White House.
“Since the assassination of my father in 1968, candidates for president are provided Secret Service protection. But not me.”
According to the U.S. Secret Service website, they only provide protection to presidential candidates starting 120 days prior to the general election, which means RFK won’t be eligible for protection until July 2024.
Analysts also note that RFK will never get Secret Service Protection as he is not considered a 'major candidate'.
It's important to note however, Obama was granted Secret Service protection early in a campaign, same as what Kennedy is seeking, 'as he faced unique threats as a Black man with a realistic chance to become President.'
Should RFK get early protection due to his family's history of assassinations?
Will the Biden Administration offer RFK Secret Service protection?