Aug. 30 (UPI) — The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will reportedly take over security duties for former Vice President Kamala Harris after she lost her Secret Service protection on Thursday.
According to The Los Angeles Times, California officials granted Harris “dignitary status” on Friday, which allows the CHP to provide her with security. Harris has been a private citizen since leaving office on Jan. 19.
Governor Gavin Newsom must approve the arrangement, but his office would not confirm any details. “Our office does not comment on security arrangements,” Newsom spokesperson Izzy Gordon told the Times.
Harris lives in Los Angeles and has a 15-city book tour scheduled to begin in New York City on Sept. 24, according to USA Today. The tour will last 107 days, which would have required significant advance work by the Secret Service if her federal protection had continued.
By law, outgoing vice presidents receive Secret Service protection for six months after leaving office. President Joe Biden had previously extended Harris’ protection beyond that deadline at the request of her aides.
Harris continued to receive Secret Service coverage until President Donald Trump signed a memorandum on Thursday ending the arrangement effective Monday.
Trump also ended Secret Service protection for Biden’s adult children, Hunter and Ashley, after their father had extended their coverage through July. The Washington Post reported that Hunter Biden recently traveled to South Africa with his security detail.
Under federal law, only former presidents and first ladies receive lifetime Secret Service protection. Ending Harris’ extended protection also ends all other extensions granted by Biden just before he left office in January.
