Obama placed under secret service protection

MSNBC is reporting that Barack Obama has been placed under the protection of secret service agents because of threats directed at him and his campaign over the past few days. I'll post a link as soon as one becomes available.

UPDATE: Confirmed.

The Secret Service said Thursday that Sen. Barack Obama was being placed under their protection, the earliest ever for a presidential candidate.

Secret Service spokesman Eric Zahren said Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff authorized Obama’s protection after consultations with the congressional advisory committee.

Officials said Obama had requested the protection. Such requests are then sent to the congressional panel for approval or rejection.