Capitol Police Warn Rising Threats to Congress Members/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Security officials told senators that threats against members of Congress have risen sharply following the fatal Minnesota lawmaker shooting. Investigations into concerning statements and credible threats have more than doubled over the past decade. Senators are pushing for more protective measures and funding to guard lawmakers at home and in Washington.
Rising Threats to Lawmakers — Quick Facts
- Spike in threats: Capitol Police logged nearly 9,500 concerning statements/threats in 2024.
- Minnesota shooting: Suspect targeted former Minnesota House Speaker and other state lawmakers.
- Senate briefing held: Lawmakers urged to expand resources after emergency session.
- Security funding gaps: Confusion remains over allocation and home protection usage.
- MAGA rhetoric flare: Tensions rise as partisan social media posts escalate.
- Lawmakers react: Calls intensify for more proactive and real-time threat intervention.
- Historical attacks reviewed: References include Scalise, Giffords, Pelosi’s husband, and 2024 Trump attempts.
- Urgent measures sought: Senators warn “resources should never let a member be killed.”
Capitol Police Warn Rising Threats to Congress Members
In-Depth Coverage: Quick Looks
1. Surge in Threats Against Congress
At an emergency Senate briefing, officials from Capitol Police and Senate security warned that threatening communications toward lawmakers have “dramatically increased.” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the urgent need for bolstered protection systems.
2. Minnesota Shooting Intensifies Worries
The briefing followed the tragic shooting of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, linked to a suspect who documented targeting multiple Democratic lawmakers in his writings. This event concentrated focus on how elected officials are becoming targets, especially at home.
3. Alarming Trend in Threat Numbers
In 2024, Capitol Police counted 9,474 “concerning statements and threats” targeting Congress—more than doubling the count from 2017 (3,939). These figures mark the highest yearly total since 2021, signaling heightened escalation post-Jan 6.
4. Security Funding Remains Disputed
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) highlighted that the volume of threats now exceeds what current resources can address, emphasizing that efforts must be both responsive and proportionate.
A range of senators, including Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), urged more real-time threat identification and coordinated home protection systems, while Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) warned of escalating political violence akin to a “virus.”
5. Historical Context of Lawmaker Attacks
Lawmakers cited a sobering history of violence: the Giffords shooting (2011), Scalise’s baseball practice attack (2017), the assault on Speaker Pelosi’s husband (2022), and attempts on Donald Trump’s life (2024). These incidents reinforce that threats are present across party lines.
6. Political Rhetoric Adds to Volatility
Tensions surged after the Minnesota example appeared to prompt partisan reactions on social media. Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) confronted Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) over a weekend post blaming “Marxists.” Meanwhile, Trump publicly dismissed Minnesota’s governor as “whacked out” and said he had “no plans” to call him. The dispute intensified fears that politically charged language fuels threats.
7. Lawmakers Demand Action
Across the aisle, senators advocated for immediate action.
“Resources should not be the cause that a U.S. senator or congressman gets killed,” Chris Murphy insisted.
- Increased funding for home security;
- A streamlined real‑time threat reporting system;
- Greater transparency and accountability on threat follow-ups.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.