Increased Security for Politicians

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson’s car has congressional license plates indicating the Dallas area district she represents. It was parked at DFW international Airport the day conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated, when a vandal scratched up the vehicle, spread mud on the windshield and ripped off the wipers, Johnson said.

With political violence increasing, politicians and government officials are discussing increased security. The need could come at a cost for taxpayers, but some representatives say it’s essential. She’s had someone post a photo of her house on social media, asking ominously what she was having for dinner.

“Members of Congress are in the bullseye of a very partisan time right now in this country,” the Farmers Branch Democrat said. “And the rhetoric of violence is escalating daily. The temperature’s going up and members are being threatened more.”

Rise in Threats

The U.S. Capitol Police told NPR its agents are on track to work through roughly 14,000 threat assessment cases by the end of the year. That represents a significant increase from more than 9,000 cases last year. The rise in threats and Kirk’s assassination have shaken many on Capitol Hill, ramping up discussions about appropriate levels of security for lawmakers and prominent officials.

The president and other high-ranking executive branch officials have Secret Service protection. Top congressional leaders have their own official security details. Rank-and-file members of Congress typically are unaccompanied when they are not at the Capitol, although some pay for private security out of campaign funds.

Security Measures

The Senate last week adopted a change allowing senators to use official office funding for personal security measures and Republicans included additional funding in their GOP stopgap funding proposal. Public officials have always contended with safety threats, but recent events have ramped up concerns.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband was attacked in 2022 in their San Francisco home by a man with a hammer. President Donald Trump was the subject of assassination attempts last year. Two Israeli embassy staffers were gunned down in May outside the Capital Jewish Museum in D.C.

Former Minnesota state House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed this summer in their home outside Minneapolis. The Minnesota shootings were particularly unsettling given the assassin went to lawmakers’ homes to shoot them, Johnson said.

Representatives’ Concerns

“That certainly rocked a lot of members to their core,” she said. Representatives have to be mindful of where they go and how they promote public appearances, Johnson said. She welcomed steps to approve more money intended to keep members safe.

“It’s whatever it costs, but we all need adequate security,” Johnson said when asked about how much funding is appropriate. “People shouldn’t be vulnerable just because they are doing public service.” Texas representatives from both parties expressed gratitude for and confidence in the local law enforcement officers typically on hand for events back in the district.

Increased Precautions

But they also acknowledged a different vibe in light of recent political violence. “I’ve been here 20 years and I’ve seen people get aggressive but it does feel a little different now,” said U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo. Some members said they are thinking harder about the public events they hold or taking more secure routes as they walk between House office buildings and the Capitol.

U.S. Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Frisco, said measures need to be taken and that security concerns are not limited to domestic threats – foreign adversaries could have an interest in attacking prominent U.S. politicians. He highlighted his work on a special congressional task force that examined the attempted assassination of Trump last year near Butler, Pa.

“We’re never invulnerable, but you want to be safer,” Fallon said. Fallon said he’s heard some members are backing off town hall events out of security concerns. “I plan on continuing to do town halls to the frequency I did before,” Fallon said.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the increasing political violence has led to a rise in security concerns for politicians and government officials. While some representatives are calling for increased security measures, others are cautioning against overreacting and throwing huge sums of money at the problem. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure the safety of those serving the public without compromising their ability to engage with constituents.

FAQs

Q: What is the current state of security for politicians in the US?

A: The current state of security for politicians in the US is a concern, with a rise in threats and violent incidents. Many politicians are calling for increased security measures to protect themselves and their families.

Q: What measures are being taken to increase security for politicians?

A: Measures being taken to increase security for politicians include allowing senators to use official office funding for personal security measures, increasing funding for security in the GOP stopgap funding proposal, and taking more precautions at public events.

Q: Are all politicians in favor of increased security measures?

A: No, not all politicians are in favor of increased security measures. Some, like U.S. Rep. Keith Self, R-McKinney, are cautioning against overreacting and throwing huge sums of money at the problem.

Q: How will the increased security measures affect taxpayers?

A: The increased security measures will likely come at a cost to taxpayers. However, many politicians believe that the cost is necessary to ensure their safety and the safety of their families.