GOP Frontrunners Trump, Carson Receive Secret Service Protection After Threats

Republican presidential candidates Ben Carson and Donald Trump are set to receive Secret Service protection after receiving multiple death threats.

A source tells Fox News’ Ed Henry that a Carson aide met with the Secret Service last week after “threats against him have grown,” while Trump formally asked for protection Friday. Both requests, while unusual, are likely to be approved.

Trump, who already has private security, was vocal about his need for protection last week, accusing the Secret Service of being biased against Republicans. “If I was a Democrat, they’d have it but it’s really up to them,” he told Fox’s Greta van Susteran.

Presidential candidates typically don’t receive Secret Service protection until they have secured the nomination, but exceptions can be made. Then-Senator Barack Obama received protection as earlier as 2007 after multiple death threats.

UPDATE — 4:02 p.m. ET: Carson addressed the issue on Monday in Texas, saying he doesn’t think he needs the additional protection but trusts the Secret Service’s judgment.

“I recognize that someone like me, who is very truthful and who really doesn’t subscribe to all the traditional power structures, is probably going to be a target, and I do understand that,” Carson said. “I also think that there’s a God, but you have to be logical so I will deal with it.”

Watch the video below, via NBC News:

[h/t Fox News]

[Image via screengrab]
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