Secret Service Grants Biden Protection Following L.A. Incident, Given Codename ‘Celtic’

Former Vice President Joe Biden, the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination, was granted full Secret Service protection last week. Biden initiated the request to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after protestors ambushed him during his Super Tuesday victory speech.

“The U.S. Secret Service can confirm Acting Secretary of Homeland Security, Chad F. Wolf, along with the Congressional Advisory Committee has authorized that the Secret Service provide physical protection for presidential candidate, former vice president Joseph Biden,” a Secret Service spokesperson said in a statement.

Throughout his campaign, many protesters have accosted Biden on numerous occasions. These scares include a run-in with a New Hampshire man who attacked Biden from behind. But the Los Angeles anti-diary protestors who stormed the stage during Biden’s speech was by far the most potentially dangerous.

Dr. Jill Biden, Biden’s wife, a member of his security team and several aides, thwarted the attack. The event propelled further concern over the inadequate security around the Democratic front-runner.

Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-Louisiana), a Biden campaign co-chairman, reported that members of Congress were “very worried” about the March 3 episode.

Biden’s Secret Service code name will be “Celtic.” It is the same codename that he used as vice president in the Obama administration.

The Biden campaign has refused to confirm the protection and has declined further comment.

“We do not comment on security measures,” said TJ Ducklo, a spokesman for Biden.

Sen. Bernie Sanders still has not made a request to the DHS for protection.