Indian-American Republican Presidential candidate Nikki Haley has formally sought Secret Service protection, citing concerns over safety amid what she described as “multiple issues”, according to reports from the BBC.
Haley, the sole challenger against former US President Donald Trump, disclosed her request for enhanced security in an interview with The Wall Street Journal.
“When you do something like this, you get threats. It’s just the reality. That’s not going to deter me. Does it mean we have to put a few more bodies around this? Yes, that’s fine,” the former Governor of South Carolina, told The Wall Street Journal.
Speaking after a campaign event in Aiken, South Carolina, she addressed the difficulties of dealing with threats in such a high-stakes political environment. “We’ve had multiple issues. It’s not going to stop me from doing what I need to do,” Nikki Haley said.
HALEY CAMPAIGN TO CONTINUE DESPITE CHALLENGES
Recognising the necessity for additional security measures, Haley stressed her commitment to continuing her campaign despite challenges. She noted that such threats were common for political figures and affirmed her commitment to connecting with voters directly.
The former South Carolina Governor has faced criticism and protests, particularly concerning her support for Israel and Ukraine.
“At the end of the day, we’re going to go out there and touch every hand, we’re going to answer every question, we’re going to make sure that we are there and doing everything that we need to,” Haley said.
However, Haley remains resolute in her campaign strategy.
HOAX CALLS RELATED TO NIKKI HALEY
Haley’s security concerns escalated following a series of alarming incidents, including hoax calls to law enforcement agencies falsely reporting violence at her home.
These ‘swatting’ attempts have underscored the potential dangers faced by political candidates and their families.
“It put the law enforcement officers in danger, it put my family in dangerâ€æ That’s what happens when you run for president,” Haley exclaimed.
NIKKI HALEY’S SECURITY REQUEST PENDING
Secret Service protection is typically granted to ‘major’ candidates under federal law, usually when they are deemed likely to secure their party’s nomination.
While Haley’s request awaits official approval, former President Donald Trump, whom she is challenging, already enjoys lifelong Secret Service protection as he was a US President.
Despite trailing behind Trump in early primaries, Haley’s campaign remains financially robust, having raised a substantial $16.5 million in January alone.
With the next major primary scheduled in her home state of South Carolina later this month (February 24), Haley continues her bid for the Republican nomination amidst heightened security concerns.