The Los Angeles Police Department has withdrawn around-the-clock protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris following public criticism from conservative commentators and pressure from the city's police union, according to local reporting.
The move comes after President Donald Trump revoked Secret Service protection for Harris earlier this year, ending an extension that had been granted by President Joe Biden and that would have lasted until July 2026. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass had directed LAPD resources to continue safeguarding Harris after the federal protection was cut, The Los Angeles Times reported.
The Los Angeles Police Protective League, the union representing rank-and-file officers, said officers were being diverted from crime suppression duties to provide security for a wealthy political figure who could hire private protection. "Pulling police officers from protecting everyday Angelenos to protect a failed presidential candidate who also happens to be a multi-millionaire with multiple homes and who can easily afford to pay for her own security is nuts," the union board said in a statement.
The board also criticized state leaders, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, over the use of public resources for the detail, the union said. City officials did not immediately return requests for comment on the LAPD decision.
Previously, the Secret Service provides protection to current and former presidents, as well as to certain other protected persons under federal law and specific determinations. The Biden administration had extended federal protection for Harris beyond the standard period for former vice presidents, and the extension was later rescinded by the Trump administration, according to reporting on the timeline.
Supporters of Harris had welcomed the city's interim protection after the federal withdrawal, while critics argued that municipal officers should focus on local public safety priorities. The union framed its opposition around that point, saying the detail removed officers from frontline duties in neighborhoods with rising crime and community safety concerns.
The LAPD routinely balances specialized assignments with patrol and crime-suppression needs. City leaders who authorized the protection had cited immediate safety concerns following the change in federal status. The mayor's office previously said it was acting to ensure the safety of a public figure while the city coordinated with federal authorities.
The decision adds to an ongoing debate over how local governments should respond when federal protective arrangements for high-profile figures change. It also underscores tensions between police unions and city officials over resource allocation and priorities for law enforcement. No timeline has been announced for any further change to the city's security posture for Harris.