Joe Biden’s campaign has asked for Secret Service protection after Jill Biden had to physically intercept two protesters during her husband’s Super Tuesday rally.
Presidential candidates can receive Secret Service protection by submitting a request to the Department of Homeland Security, a move made by Biden’s team, according to reports.
After White House hopefuls seek help, DHS federal law enforcement officials conduct a threat assessment, which is reviewed by congressional leadership. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer were notified of Biden’s request Thursday morning.
Calls for Biden and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders to get extra protection was echoed among lawmakers and political commentators after Jill Biden and top Biden spokeswoman Symone Sanders jumped to the former vice president’s defense after two protesters shouting, “Let dairy die!” rushed him during a Super Tuesday event in Los Angeles.
The Biden camp wouldn’t comment on-the-record about its security precautions, but Delaware’s 36-year senator has indicated on the campaign trail he’d be open to the protection.
Rep. Bennie Thompson, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, on Thursday told CNN he pressed Biden on the issue during a weekend trip to his home state ahead of Mississippi Democrats weighing in this week on the 2020 primary.
“I told him this is a real concern of mine. He said he would look at it, and if so, I’d get a letter,” Thompson said.
Biden had Secret Service protection for eight years as vice president, during the 2008 campaign, and briefly after leaving office in January 2017.
