Nikki Haley has requested Secret Service protection due to an increase in threats during her 2024 presidential campaign, according to reports in The Wall Street Journal. Her home has been targeted by “swatting” attempts, where someone calls police falsely reporting crimes at her address.
Swatting
The Secret Service serves to protect the president and vice president, their families and homes; visiting foreign heads of state; high-profile politicians such as visiting heads of state from other countries; major party presidential candidates like Barack Obama (who received protection in May 2007 due to threats made against his life during his campaign) as well.
Haley requested additional security at her events last week due to an increase in threats, however the Secret Service would not comment. A spokesperson from their agency declined to respond.
Haley requested Secret Service protection after it was approved by the secretary of homeland security, in consultation with an advisory committee. Her team did not specify when this request was made, however two hoax “swatting” calls targeting Kiawah Island were reported within recent weeks – one occurring on Dec 30 and another reported on New Year’s Day.
Threats
Nikki Haley is currently one of Donald Trump’s primary challengers and has filed for protection from threats received while campaigning, her campaign confirmed. As governor and U.N. ambassador in South Carolina for two terms prior to its February 24 primary, Haley will focus her campaign there as she competes against Trump for election.
She told the Wall Street Journal she sought protection following several recent incidents, including being the target of two hoax “swatting” calls from individuals seeking to get police officers to come respond to her residence or public event – acts which have resulted in injuries and even fatalities among residents or attendees of public events.
The Secret Service serves the President, Vice President and their families, visiting heads of state, presidential candidates and other high-profile figures including major party presidential candidates as well as investigating financial crimes and providing security at venues where those under their protection will appear. It has two divisions; Special Agents and Uniformed Division Officers.
Disruptions
South Carolina Governor and Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley stands as one of Donald Trump’s last major opponents, yet due to recent threats she has received she has increased security measures for herself and her campaign team.
Haley was recently the target of an apparent “swatting” hoax, in which people make false reports to law enforcement in an effort to provoke emergency responses; her home on Kiawah Island in Charleston County, South Carolina was chosen. While appearing on Meet the Press, Haley spoke candidly about the incident: “The last thing anyone wants is multiple law enforcement officers with guns drawn pointing their guns directly at your parents,” she noted.
Decisions on whether or not Haley receives protection will be determined by the secretary of homeland security in consultation with a congressional committee, according to BBC reports. She made her request on Monday. Though Haley may trail behind Donald Trump in terms of GOP primaries delegates earned, she has raised over $16.5 million so far this year for her campaign.
protection
Former United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice wants protection after receiving threats to her safety, according to reports in The Wall Street Journal on Monday. She told that publication that she requested Secret Service protection. Unfortunately, neither her campaign nor the agency responded when we inquired for more details on this request.
Secret Service protection of “major presidential and vice presidential candidates” identified by the secretary of homeland security in consultation with a congressional advisory committee is available under law, according to their website. Their decision not based on polling statistics or threat assessments but instead depends on whether an individual qualifies as a major party nominee and could gain access to sensitive information or targets that require protection.
Political figures have spoken openly about the numerous and often graphic threats they’ve received, saying they feel threatened and unsafe as a result. Police recently reported receiving over 8,000 threats directed towards members of Congress for being involved with legal cases related to President Donald Trump.
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