Operating a 'Mini Secret Service' to Block Outsiders and Oneself
"Threats Increased as Wealth and Fame Accumulated"
The United States has been shaken by a second assassination attempt targeting former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, and it has been reported that Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, is receiving protection equivalent to that of a national leader.
The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 14th (local time) that "Musk, the world's richest person, operates a security team of more than 20 members to isolate himself from his surroundings."
Security experts told the NYT, "Musk's security team operates like a mini 'United States Secret Service (USSS),' and Musk receives protection not as a corporate CEO but as a national leader."
According to the report, Musk's security team is mostly composed of former military personnel, all armed and accompanied by medical staff, and they have assigned Musk the codename 'Voyager' to provide close protection.
It is even known that Musk is accompanied by bodyguards when he goes to the restroom. Musk's security team also handles errands such as car washing and laundry pickup. This minimizes Musk's exposure to the public.
The NYT explained, "Musk travels around the world meeting magnates and celebrities and publicly smokes marijuana, acting as if he fears nothing," adding, "As his wealth and fame have grown, so have the threats, and accordingly, his security has been strengthened."
From 2015 to 2018, for which records are available, Musk spent an average of $145,000 (about 190 million KRW) per month on security. However, last year he paid $2.4 million (316 billion KRW) to the security firm Gavin de Becker & Associates (GDBA). In just January and February of this year, he spent $500,000.
In comparison, Apple spent $820,000 on CEO Tim Cook's security last year, and Amazon spent $1.6 million on Jeff Bezos's security.
At Tesla's annual shareholders meeting held in June, Musk revealed, "In the past seven months, two lunatics have approached me trying to kill me."
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