The threats faced by Republican candidate Nikki Haley during her presidential campaign have prompted a recommendation from a group of top congressional leaders for her to receive protection from the U.S. Secret Service. The decision was made after considering the severity of the threats and reviewing national polling data, according to a person familiar with the matter.
The recommendation has now been forwarded to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who will ultimately decide whether to grant Haley the protective detail. If approved, the Secret Service, which already has several standby security teams, could dispatch the protective detail on the same day the authorization is given.
The Secret Service is mandated by law to provide protection to presidential and vice presidential candidates and their families 120 days prior to a general election. However, the Department of Homeland Security has noted that requests for candidate protection are coming in earlier than in the past, as evidenced by Haley's recent appeal.
Currently, both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump already receive Secret Service protection. It is also authorized for major party presidential candidates, a measure introduced following the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy in 1968.
While Haley hasn't provided specific details about the threats she has faced, she requested protection earlier this month, citing 'multiple issues' related to security during her year-long campaign. Her campaign events have often been attended by protesters, and during a recent rally in Dallas, over 10 individuals were escorted out of the venue after disruptions during Haley's remarks.
Haley has additionally revealed that her home on Kiawah Island, South Carolina, was targeted in a 'swatting' hoax in December. Police records indicate that there have been two such incidents in recent weeks. During one incident, officers arrived at her residence with guns drawn after receiving a call about a suspected crime. Fortunately, neither Haley nor her family members were present at the time.
In another incident on New Year's Day, law enforcement dispatch received a call claiming that Haley had shot her daughter and would shoot herself. Deputies promptly arrived at her home and spoke with Haley, who had already been in contact with the chief of South Carolina's State Law Enforcement Division and the Charleston County sheriff.
Due to these concerning incidents, Haley has been traveling with personal security for several months. Recently, her security personnel have become more visible at events, often standing closely by her side as she speaks and interacts with supporters.
It's worth noting that other candidates, including independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have also requested Secret Service protection during this election cycle, but their appeals were denied.
The final decision regarding Haley's request for Secret Service protection now rests with Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas. While the committee of congressional leaders has expressed their support for her receiving the protective detail, the ultimate responsibility lies with Mayorkas to ensure the safety of the former South Carolina governor and U.N. ambassador.
