Nikki Haley, a Republican presidential candidate running against former President Donald Trump, has requested Secret Service protection due to an increase in threats she has received. The former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations stated that her campaign has encountered multiple issues, but emphasized that it will not deter her from continuing her run for presidency. Haley also revealed that her campaign is ramping up security in response to the threats, acknowledging that it is part of the realities of running for public office.
Local law enforcement and personal security accompany Haley at campaign events in South Carolina, a practice that was not the norm leading up to nomination contests in Iowa and New Hampshire. She also disclosed a recent swatting attempt targeting her, which she described as an awful situation that put law enforcement and her family in danger. Despite the threats, Haley remains determined to engage with voters and address their concerns, stating that additional security measures will not prevent her from fulfilling her obligations as a public figure.
Concerns about Haley’s safety have been further underscored by the response of other potential candidates, such as independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who expressed hopes for Haley’s safety while highlighting his own denied requests for protection. The increase in threats and targeted attempts against Haley has drawn attention to the elevated security measures being taken during her campaign. CBS News has reached out to the Homeland Security Department for comments on her request for Secret Service protection.