Donald Trump said on Truth Social it’s imperative independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. receive Secret Service protection.

“In light of what is going on in the world today, I believe it is imperative that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. receive Secret Service protection — immediately. Given the history of the Kennedy Family, this is the obvious right thing to do!” Trump said.

RFK Jr. said last year his request for Secret Service protection had been denied.

“It is a hopeful sign for our country when a political opponent calls for one’s protection. Maybe our country can unite after all,” RFK Jr. said.

It is a hopeful sign for our country when a political opponent calls for one's protection. Maybe our country can unite after all. pic.twitter.com/Nfd3yXAh1F

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) July 15, 2024

The Hill reports:

Kennedy has argued he should get protection because he is at increased risk because of his family history: His father, former Attorney General Robert Kennedy, and his uncle, former President Kennedy, were both assassinated.

The Secret Service is authorized to protect major presidential and vice presidential candidates and their spouses within 120 days of a general presidential election. The Homeland Security secretary, in consultation with an advisory committee of House and Senate leadership, determines which candidates are in that “major” category.

Among the factors the DHS secretary can consider, according to the Secret Service, is “whether the candidate is an independent or third-party candidate for President polling at 20% or more of the Real Clear Politics National Average for 30 consecutive days.”

WATCH:

It’s been more than 24 hours since Trump was mere inches from being assassinated and RFK Jr. has still not been given Secret Service Protection.

Every American should be demanding Biden grants him this immediately.

The fact that Biden has spoken multiple times and not even… pic.twitter.com/4ndNl2yTlh

— End Tribalism in Politics (@EndTribalism) July 15, 2024

From POLITICO:

The Robert F. Kennedy Jr. campaign’s pleas for Secret Service protection for the independent presidential candidate are getting a boost in the wake of the shooting at former President Donald Trump’s rally.

“We have a pending formal request already lodged with DHS last week,” Kennedy security consultant Gavin de Becker told POLITICO in a text message.

De Becker’s private security firm has been handling the campaign’s private security, costing the campaign about $3 million to date in addition to $2.6 million in outstanding debts, according to the latest federal financial disclosures. The campaign has asked the Department of Homeland Security for protection services several times but has been denied so far.

“DHS has received the request for protection and will review it with due consideration,” a DHS spokesperson said Sunday. “The review process relies on a thorough Secret Service threat assessment and a recommendation from a bipartisan Congressional Advisory Committee. Ultimately, based on that assessment and the recommendation of the advisory committee, the Secretary makes a determination.”