When asked on Thursday about his campaign’s request for Secret Service protection, Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson said that he is in danger because progressives see him as an “existential threat.”

During a radio interview on WABC, host Rita Cosby noted that the Carson campaign had requested a Secret Service detail and asked Carson about the threats he has received.

“I’d prefer not to talk about security issues but I have recognized — and people have been telling me for many many months — that I’m in great danger because I challenge the secular progressive movement to the very core,” Carson said in response, according to audio posted by Buzzfeed News.

“You know, they see me as an existential threat and I know that, but I also believe in the good lord and we take reasonable precautions,” he added.

Cosby then asked if the threats were serious.

“I believe the threats are serious,” Carson responded. “They wouldn’t even be considering this if the threats were not serious.”

The Department of Homeland Security on Monday confirmed that Carson and Donald Trump had both requested Secret Service protection. According to the Washington Post, neither candidate has yet been approved for a Secret Service detail.