On Friday, a man with loaded pistols and extra ammunition was apprehended for impersonating a U.S. marshal at an event for Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in Los Angeles.
Using X, formerly known as Twitter, Kennedy described the incident and expressed gratitude to the security personnel at the Hispanic Heritage event for their swift action in isolating and apprehending the individual.
He posted, “I’m very grateful that alert and fast-acting protectors from Gavin de Becker and Associates (GDBA) spotted and detained an armed man who attempted to approach me at my Hispanic Heritage speech at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles tonight.”
He continued, “The man, wearing two shoulder holsters with loaded pistols and spare ammunition magazines, was carrying a U.S. Marshal badge on a lanyard and belt clip federal ID. He identified himself as a member of my security detail. Armed GDBA team members moved quickly to isolate and detain the man until LAPD arrived to make the arrest. I’m also grateful to LAPD for its rapid response.”
I’m very grateful that alert and fast-acting protectors from Gavin de Becker and Associates (GDBA) spotted and detained an armed man who attempted to approach me at my Hispanic Heritage speech at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles tonight. The man, wearing two shoulder… pic.twitter.com/vvJc0Gtk4o
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) September 16, 2023
Kennedy posted pictures of the person detained at the event on social media. The unidentified individual was seen wearing a black shirt bearing the words “Emergency Medical Services” on the logo.
Kennedy, a Democratic candidate who declared a primary challenge against President Biden earlier this year, pointed out that he has not yet been granted Secret Service protection.
Kennedy concluded his post, saying, “I’m still entertaining a hope that President Biden will allow me Secret Service protection. I am the first presidential candidate in history to whom the White House has denied a request for protection.”
Back in July, Kennedy stated that the Biden administration had turned down his request for Secret Service protection as a 2024 presidential contender.
Kennedy revealed that he received a message from Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas stating, “I have determined that Secret Service protection for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is not warranted at this time.”
According to the Secret Service website, it provides protection to “major presidential and vice presidential candidates and their spouses within 120 days of a general presidential election.”
The tragic assassination of Kennedy Jr.’s father at the Los Angeles hotel occurred nearly five years following the assassination of his uncle, former President John F. Kennedy, in Dallas in November 1963.
