Los Angeles Police Department Ends Protection for Former Vice President Kamala Harris
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has discontinued its protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris, following heavy criticism from within its own ranks. The criticism stemmed from the fact that officers were being diverted from crime suppression duties to provide security for Harris. According to sources, LAPD Metropolitan Division officers had been assisting the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in protecting Harris, and were visible outside her Brentwood home until Saturday morning.
Background on the Protection
The protection for Harris was put in place after President Trump revoked her Secret Service protection last week. President Biden had previously extended Harris’s Secret Service protection beyond the traditional six months after leaving office. The LAPD’s involvement in providing security for Harris was a temporary measure, with the city funding the security detail. However, the arrangement was expected to be brief, with Harris planning to hire her own security in the near future.
Criticism from the LAPD Union
The Los Angeles Police Protective League, the union representing rank-and-file LAPD officers, criticized the move, stating that pulling police officers from protecting everyday Angelenos to protect a “failed presidential candidate” who can afford her own security is “nuts.” The union’s board of directors also commented that Mayor Karen Bass should tell Governor Newsom to fund the security himself, rather than having LA taxpayers foot the bill.
Response from Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom
Mayor Bass directed the LAPD to provide the security team to assist the CHP in the short term. However, on Saturday, the mayor’s office stated that the plan was always to provide temporary support and thanked the LAPD for protecting Harris. Governor Newsom’s spokesperson commented that the safety of public officials should never be subject to “erratic, vindictive political impulse.”
History of LAPD Protection for Harris
This is not the first time the LAPD has provided protection for Harris. During her time as a U.S. senator, plainclothes officers served as security and traveled with her from January 2017 to July 2018. The protection was granted based on a threat assessment, but was ended by then-Police Chief Michel Moore in July 2018 after a new evaluation determined it was no longer needed.
Current Situation
The curtailing of Secret Service protection comes as Harris is set to begin a book tour next month for her memoir, titled “107 Days.” The tour has 15 stops, including visits to London and Toronto. A recent threat intelligence assessment by the Secret Service found no red flags or credible evidence of a threat to the former vice president. For more information on this story, visit Here.
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