LAPD Ends Temporary Protection for Kamala Harris After Secret Service Withdrawal
The LAPD ended its brief protection of former Vice President Kamala Harris after criticism that officers were pulled from crime-suppression duties. This followed President Trump’s decision to revoke Harris’s extended Secret Service protection, which President Biden had previously authorized beyond the usual six-month post-office period for former vice presidents.
In response, California Gov. Gavin Newsom directed the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to provide security, and the LAPD joined in temporarily. A dozen LAPD officers were assigned to Harris, but the move sparked internal backlash and public controversy, with the police union arguing taxpayers shouldn’t fund protection for a wealthy, private citizen.
By Saturday, LAPD ended its role. Mayor Karen Bass said the plan was always temporary. The CHP continues providing security until Harris transitions to private protection, especially ahead of her upcoming international book tour.
Critics argue the withdrawal of Secret Service protection was consistent with precedent and intelligence assessments. Others see it as politically motivated. Meanwhile, law enforcement resources remain stretched amid ongoing public safety crises in Los Angeles.