An armed man claiming to be a member of the security detail for Democrat presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was arrested on Friday afternoon during an appearance by Kennedy in Los Angeles. The man was wearing a U.S. Marshal’s badge and carrying federal ID. No shots were fired during the incident, but the arrest raised concerns due to Kennedy’s family history, with his father Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and uncle President John F. Kennedy both being assassinated in Los Angeles in 1968 and in Dallas in 1963, respectively.
The arrest was initially reported by Breitbart News and later confirmed by Kennedy himself on Twitter. Kennedy expressed his frustration at still being denied Secret Service protection by President Joe Biden. He has previously voiced concerns that his father and uncle were killed by elements within the U.S. government. Kennedy posted a photo of the arrested man on Twitter, thanking the security team for their swift action.
The man arrived at the event and claimed to be employed by the organizers, according to sources. However, campaign security officials did not recognize him and detained him until the police arrived. Upon searching the man, law enforcement discovered that he was carrying a handgun and ammunition. He is expected to face charges of impersonating a police officer or federal agent, as well as possibly unlawful possession of firearms.
In a statement to The Epoch Times, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed receiving a call reporting a male with a badge, a gun, and a shoulder holster in front of the event venue claiming to be a U.S. Marshal. A spokesperson for Kennedy also confirmed the incident, stating that Kennedy had not yet arrived at the venue at the time. The LAPD stated that the man had claimed to be employed for the event, but the security staff did not recognize him.
This incident underscores the ongoing concerns for the safety and security of political candidates, particularly those with notable family histories. Kennedy’s request for Secret Service protection has been denied, making him the first presidential candidate in history to be denied such protection by the White House.
In today’s highly polarized political climate, the safety of candidates is an important issue that should be addressed by authorities to ensure the democratic process remains secure. Incidents like these serve as a reminder of the potential risks faced by public figures and the need for adequate security measures.
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