New York [US], August 31: Former Vice President Kamala Harris will receive protection from the California Highway Patrol after President Trump revoked her Secret Service protection, law enforcement sources said.
California officials put in place a plan to provide Harris with dignitary protection after Trump ended an arrangement that gave his opponent in last year's election extended Secret Service security coverage.
Trump signed a memorandum on Thursday ending Harris' protection as of Monday, according to sources not authorized to discuss the security matter. Former vice presidents usually get Secret Service protection for six months after leaving office, while ex-presidents get protection for life. But before his term ended, then-President Biden signed an order to extend Harris' protection beyond six months to July 2026. Aides to Harris had asked Biden for the extension. Without it, her security detail would have ended last month, according to sources.
Gov Gavin Newsom, who would need to sign off on such CHP protection, would not confirm the arrangement. "Our office does not comment on security arrangements," said Izzy Gordon, a spokesperson for Newsom."The safety of our public officials should never be subject to erratic, vindictive political impulses."
The decision came after Newsom's office and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass were in discussions on Thursday evening on how best to address the situation. Harris resides in the western portion of Los Angeles.
Bass said "This is another act of revenge following a long list of political retaliation in the form of firings, the revoking of security clearances and more. This puts the former Vice President in danger and I look forward to working with the governor to make sure Vice President Harris is safe in Los Angeles." (Agencies)
Source: Qatar Tribune
