Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley has formally requested Secret Service protection amid mounting concerns for her safety, according to several reports released on Monday.
Haley, currently the sole challenger to former President Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential nomination, disclosed to the Wall Street Journal that she sought this protection following a series of security threats encountered during her campaign travels.
Despite these challenges, Haley asserted, “It’s not going to stop me from doing what I need to do.”
A spokesperson for the Haley campaign later corroborated the request with ABC News and CNN.
Nikki Haley (Credits: Bloomberg)
The call for protection follows two recent “swatting” incidents at Haley’s residence on Kiawah Island, where she resides with her family. Haley recounted one of these incidents occurring while her elderly parents were present, with law enforcement arriving with weapons drawn, she disclosed during an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press.
“Swatting” involves making false reports to law enforcement, typically of violent incidents, in hopes of prompting a heavily armed tactical response at the targeted location.
These attacks, often seen as harassment tactics targeting politicians, celebrities, educational institutions, and other high-profile entities, have surged to “unprecedented” levels, as noted by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in July. The FBI has established a command center to enhance coordination among law enforcement agencies nationwide regarding swatting incidents.
CBS News reported that over a dozen public figures were targeted in attempted swatting attacks between Christmas and January 19. Among those affected was Senator Rick Scott of Florida, who reported a swatting incident at his Naples residence while he was dining with his wife. On the same day, Representative Marjorie Taylor-Greene of Georgia alleged similar incidents targeting the residences of her two daughters.
