Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley has recently requested Secret Service protection due to a rise in threats she has encountered while on the campaign trail.
The former two-term South Carolina governor, who later served as UN ambassador in former President Donald Trump's administration, is considered a significant contender for the 2024 GOP nomination, alongside Trump.
Haley discussed the request for protection in an interview on Monday afternoon with The Wall Street Journal. Haley was questioned at a news conference in Columbia, SC towards the end of last week regarding the heightened security measures at her events.
Haley acknowledged the importance of having more support around her, but assured that it had not impacted her campaign efforts. Shortly after Haley addressed the media, a disruptive individual was escorted out of her campaign event in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Once considered a highly unlikely contender for the nomination, Haley gained significant traction in the polls during the late summer and autumn. This was largely due to her impressive performances in the first three GOP presidential primary debates.
Last month, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis withdrew from the race just two days before the Jan. 23 New Hampshire primary. This has now turned the nomination race into a two-candidate showdown between Haley and Trump. Trump, who is running for the White House for the third time, is currently the commanding frontrunner.
Haley received 43% of the vote in New Hampshire, falling behind Trump by a margin of 11 points. The upcoming significant event in the Republican calendar is the primary in Haley's home state, scheduled for Feb. 24. According to the most recent public opinion survey, the former president is significantly ahead of Haley by a wide margin.
Haley, 52, an Indian American, continues to launch political criticisms against Trump, targeting his age and mental capacity. She remains determined to persist in her efforts, undeterred by any setbacks she may have encountered.
Despite trailing behind Trump, she has been actively organizing events in her home state. In a subtle jab at her rival, she pointed out that he was avoiding public appearances, suggesting that he needed to save money for legal fees. Recent reports revealed that pro-Trump entities had already spent a staggering $50 million on lawyers to defend him.
Haley's private security detail swiftly apprehended a protester who attempted to access the stage during her event in Columbia last week. Protesters who oppose her stance on US support for Israel have attended some of her events. A spokesperson from the Secret Service did not provide an immediate response to a comment request.
Haley Reveals Receiving Rising Threats, Swatting Incidents
In late January, she faced another swatting incident where a caller disclosed the address of her residence on Kiawah Island. The caller falsely claimed that a woman had murdered her daughter and was making threats to end her own life.
Per Daily Mail, the request is a strong indication that Haley is fully committed to the campaign, or at the very least, she is making it clear that she is.
The campaign announced that it had raised an impressive $16 million in January, marking its most successful fundraising month to date. She is closely examining the primary map leading up to Super Tuesday next month, and has scheduled a trip to California on Wednesday.
Despite facing a significant deficit in pre-election polls in her home state, Haley is determined to outwork Trump on the campaign trail. She is determined to connect with everyone and address any inquiries as she continues her series of events.
