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Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, on Thursday, authorised protection of Barack Obama after consultations with the bipartisan congressional advisory committee, according to Chertoff spokesman Russ Knocke and the Secret Service.
Secret Service spokesman Eric Zahren would not provide details of what led to the extra security, but said, "I'm not aware it was based on any threat."
Department of Homeland Security officials said there was no known threats.
Obama's rival for the 2008 nomination, Sen Hillary Rodham Clinton, has a Secret Service detail that is provided to all former first ladies.
The agency and the department would not comment on the scope of Obama's protection or provide any other security details.
Obama's campaign did not immediately respond to questions about whether the candidate requested the extra security.
In the last election, Democratic candidates John Kerry and John Edwards received their protection in February 2004 as they were competing for the party's nomination.
Obama's detail comes nine months before the first votes are cast.
Federal law allows candidates to seek protection if they meet a series of standards, including public prominence as measured by polls and fundraising.
In a 12th February interview with a news agency, Barack Obama dismissed concerns about his own security, but would not answer directly when asked if he had received death threats. - DDNews India
Posted May 4th, 2007 by Armen Hareyan
