Code-named 'Celtic': Joe Biden gets Secret Service protection

Joe Biden, who is on track to become the Democratic presidential nominee, received Secret Service protection starting Tuesday. "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 Tuesday. "As a matter of practice and for operational security reasons, the Secret Service does not discuss our protectees, protective means, methods, and/or protective responsibilities." Biden's code name will be "Celtic," according to CNN. The former vice president has Irish Catholic heritage.

Congressional leaders and other observers called for Biden to receive Secret Service protection after two protesters shouting, “Let dairy die!” rushed up to him on his stage during an event the night of Super Tuesday. Biden's wife, Jill, and top aide Symone Sanders escorted the protesters off the stage.

Former vice presidents do not get lifetime Secret Service protection, and his protection as a candidate comes much later than candidates received it in the 2016 cycle. As candidates, President Trump and Ben Carson received Secret Service details in November 2015. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Biden's last Democratic rival, currently does not have Secret Service protection and does not have plans to attain it. Biden previously had Secret Service for more than eight years, starting with his selection at Barack Obama's running mate in August 2008 through the pair's two terms in the White House.

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