Secret Service considering rolling out protection early for Democratic candidates: report

Officials with the Secret Service have suggested beginning protections for presidential candidates after a victory rally for former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Trump finalizing executive order calling on police to use ‘force with compassion’ The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook MORE in Los Angeles was disrupted Tuesday.

The agency could push forward the timetable for assigning campaign bodyguards after protesters stormed the stage on Tuesday, causing private security to rush to defend Biden and his family at the scene, according to a Secret Service official on Wednesday, CNN reported.

The House Homeland Security Committee chairman pressed Chad WolfChad WolfHillicon Valley: Senators raise concerns over government surveillance of protests | Amazon pauses police use of its facial recognition tech | FBI warns hackers are targeting mobile banking apps Democratic senators raise concerns over government surveillance of protests Customs chief says drones above protests were not used for surveillance MORE, the acting Homeland Security secretary, and four congressional leaders of the Candidate Protection Advisory Committee to commence dispatch of the Secret Service.

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Candidates usually request a sign-off from congressional leaders and the Homeland Security chief to begin receiving protections, although the process may initiate without a candidate’s request. A law enforcement official said Biden’s campaign had not requested federal protections as of Tuesday.

“As the process for nominating the Democratic candidate for President of the United States continues to advance, Americans deserve to know that the major candidates for President are protected from all threats to their safety,” Rep. Bennie ThompsonBennie Gordon ThompsonWatchdog: CBP money meant for food, medical care for migrants was spent on ATVs, dirt bikes Black lawmakers unveil bill to remove Confederate statues from Capitol Hillicon Valley: Senators raise concerns over government surveillance of protests | Amazon pauses police use of its facial recognition tech | FBI warns hackers are targeting mobile banking apps MORE (D-Miss.) wrote in a letter, the report said.

Officials familiar with the process said that preparations have been in place to roll out protections for Democratic candidates by mid-March. However, the process may likely be sped up as three candidates remain in the race, according to CNN.

A spokeswoman for the Secret Service denied that the agency changed any plans in reaction to the events from Biden’s Los Angeles victory rally.

“The Secret Service has had teams identified, trained and ready to deploy for months,” spokeswoman Cathy Milhoan said. “Our men and women stand ready to execute this vital mission when a candidate makes a request through the Secretary of Homeland Security in consultation with the Congressional Candidate Advisory Panel.”

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The co-chairman of Biden’s campaign welcomed protection in a statement.

“I can tell you that the Democratic Congress is worried about it, and the Committee on Homeland Security today sent a request in to give all the candidates Secret Service protection through the end of the campaign,” Rep. Cedric RichmondCedric Levon RichmondMore than 6000 attend George Floyd’s Houston viewing States plead for cybersecurity funds as hacking threat surges Democrats lobby Biden on VP choice MORE (D-La.) said.

Protestors interrupt Joe Biden during his speech to chant “Let Dairy Die” and it looks like Jill Biden moves to protect him. I did NOT see that one coming. #SuperTuesday pic.twitter.com/ndQp0nPyyg

— Amee Vanderpool (@girlsreallyrule) March 4, 2020

Two women stormed Biden’s stage Tuesday night, with one brandishing a sign and shouting “Let dairy die,” according to the report.

Before private security arrived, Biden’s wife, Jill, rushed to cover the former vice president from the protesters.

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