URGENT UPDATE: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has just ended its role in the security detail for former Vice President Kamala Harris, creating immediate uncertainty just days after President Trump canceled her federal protection. This decision, confirmed by multiple sources, raises serious questions about the safety of Harris as she embarks on a new chapter.
As of August 29, 2023, the LAPD had been assisting the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in protecting Harris, but internal criticism has led to this abrupt withdrawal. Officials revealed that the decision was prompted by concerns regarding the appropriateness of LAPD officers being assigned to protect a high-profile figure instead of focusing on community safety.
Typically, former vice presidents receive Secret Service protection for six months following their time in office. However, President Joe Biden extended Harris’ protection until July 2026, following requests from her aides. This arrangement was abruptly cut short when Trump terminated it earlier this week, leaving Harris vulnerable just as her memoir, “107 Days,” is set for release and a subsequent book tour begins.
The CHP has not clarified how the LAPD’s withdrawal will impact Harris’ security moving forward.
“Our office does not comment on security arrangements,”
stated Izzy Gordon, spokesperson for Governor Gavin Newsom, who must approve any security detail involving the CHP. Gordon emphasized the need for public officials to be safeguarded from “erratic, vindictive political impulses.”
In a statement, the Los Angeles Police Protective League, representing LAPD officers, criticized the use of police resources for the former vice president. They stated,
“Pulling police officers from protecting everyday Angelenos to protect a failed presidential candidate who also happens to be a multi-millionaire is nuts.”
The union’s strong words highlight the ongoing debate over public safety versus political favoritism.
Approximately a dozen LAPD officers were previously assigned to Harris’ security detail, described as a temporary measure. While the city will cover these costs, Harris is reportedly in the process of hiring her own security team. This news has sparked outrage among taxpayers, with calls for accountability and transparency about public spending.
As Harris prepares for her upcoming book tour, which includes stops in London and Toronto, the urgency for a stable security plan escalates. The tour will comprise 15 stops, making it critical for her to have reliable protection in place.
As this situation develops, all eyes will be on the CHP and state authorities to determine the future of Harris’ security detail, as public safety and political ramifications intertwine in this high-stakes scenario.
Stay tuned for more updates on this rapidly evolving story, as the implications of Harris’ security arrangements continue to unfold.
