In an exclusive revelation, Fox News Digital has learned that the individual arrested for trespassing on the property of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., twice in the past week, was previously identified in a Secret Service risk assessment.
This assessment was part of Kennedy's request for protection in June.
Jonathan Macht was apprehended on Wednesday morning for trespassing on Kennedy's property. Following his arrest, Macht was transported away from the premises. However, he returned later that day after being released from custody and attempted to re-enter the property, leading to his re-arrest.
Kennedy has sought Secret Service protection on two occasions, but his requests have been denied by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), despite the Secret Service's assessment in June that he was at an elevated "risk for adverse attention."
The Secret Service risk assessment, later referred to the DHS, includes a section titled "behaviors of interest." A source familiar with the investigation informed Fox News Digital that a redacted name in a section referring to an individual who "sent inappropriate communications to Kennedy" is believed to be Macht. The Secret Service has not yet responded to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital on Friday, Kennedy revealed that the individual who trespassed on his property "has written me 435 emails in a three-month period, including one last week, which was about me getting a bullet in my brain." Kennedy did not disclose the individual's identity but mentioned that the person was "on a watch list, but there was no one here to watch out for him."
Kennedy, whose father, former Sen. Robert F. Kennedy of New York, and uncle, former President John F. Kennedy, were both assassinated while in office, expressed concern over the politicization of law enforcement agencies. He criticized the Biden administration for what he perceives as the weaponization of the Secret Service, providing protection to family members and political allies while denying it to political rivals.
Kennedy also shared his disappointment over the rejection of his request for Secret Service protection. He said that he felt "very encouraged" when he initially requested protection, as the Secret Service officials had assured him that it would be a straightforward process. However, after 88 days, he received a rejection letter from DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Kennedy also recounted a separate incident involving a gunman posing as a U.S. marshal attempting to approach him. His team noticed that the individuals badge was unusually shiny, which raised suspicions. Upon investigation, they found the individual was carrying "two shoulder holsters with loaded pistols and a backpack with additional magazines and a knife and a number of other weapons."
Following this incident, Kennedy's team requested Secret Service protection a second time, but it was immediately denied. The Secret Service does not determine who qualifies for protection.
The process is initiated by a candidate running a national campaign, and the final decision is made by the secretary of Homeland Security after consulting with a congressional advisory committee.
The DHS has not yet responded to Fox News Digitals request for comment, and the White House declined to comment on Kennedys claims that the President has weaponized law enforcement agencies.
According to the Secret Services website, protection under the guidelines "should only be granted within one year prior to the general election." However, Kennedy told Fox News Digital that death threats against him are "pretty regular," and he worries about his family and their peace of mind.
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