Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are increasingly alarmed that a recent tragic incident reflects a growing climate of political violence in the U.S. This comes after a Minnesota state legislator was fatally shot.
In response to the deadly attack on Saturday, leaders from both Chambers have urged Capitol Hill security to bolster protections for lawmakers. Authorities arrested 57-year-old Vance Boerter in the Minneapolis suburbs on Sunday night after a two-day manhunt. He faces multiple state and federal charges, including first-degree murder.
While Boerter’s motive remains unclear, reports from the Minnesota Star Tribune indicate that he maintained a list of targets, including abortion providers and politicians—predominantly Democrats such as Senators Tina Smith, Amy Klobuchar, and Ilhan Omar. This revelation has raised suspicions that the shooting was politically motivated.
“This was an act of targeted political violence,” remarked Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat.
The incident prompted House Republican leaders to convene an emergency call during a GOP meeting on Saturday. It also led at least one House Democrat to cancel ongoing City Hall plans amidst a week-long break, emphasizing the need for heightened security measures for Congress members.
On Tuesday, the Senate will receive an update regarding enhanced weapons protections requested by top lawmakers—measures not seen since the aftermath of January 6, 2021.
“In light of increasing threats, we need to reevaluate how we safeguard Congress and our staff,” stated Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
Following the emergency call by House Republicans, some lawmakers expressed frustration, noting that rank-and-file members typically lack dedicated security details despite an escalation of political violence. “Everyone is unhappy,” said one GOP representative. “Our leadership, everyone is saying this… they have security details, but they don’t pay attention to us. Nothing has changed since today’s shooting.”
Lawmakers have voiced confusion regarding the protocols that dictate when special security measures should be implemented in light of threats, particularly concerning funding for these measures.
“I just requested clarification. They keep saying they have procedures in place, but it’s very confusing,” the lawmaker explained.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is facing pressure from Democrats to reassess the security protocols for members.
House Minority Leaders Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.), a leading Democrat on the House Management Committee, have urged Johnson to increase available allowances for member security in response to the rise in threats since 2016.
“Despite our policy differences, member safety should be a shared concern. Members from both parties have been targets of assassination attempts, profoundly affecting their lives and careers,” they stated. “That responsibility lies with you.”
Following Saturday’s shooting, Minnesota officials revealed that Boerter’s targeted individuals extend beyond Minnesota, affecting elected officials and lawmakers in other states.
Representative Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) disclosed that he learned on Sunday morning that he was on Boerter’s target list. “At the time, the suspect was still at large, so we coordinated closely with the Cincinnati Police Department to enhance security for my family and myself,” Landsman stated on Monday. “We were relieved when the suspect was apprehended.”
Capitol Police affirmed their commitment to “aggressively enhance security,” although details remain scarce. “Since the violence targeting Minnesota lawmakers became known, I have been collaborating tirelessly with legislative, federal, state, and local partners to ensure comprehensive security for Congress members affected by this tragic event,” Capitol Police reassured.
This type of violence aimed at politicians echoes previous tragic events, including the shooting of former Representative Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.) in 2011 and the attack on Congressman Steve Scalise (R-La.) in 2017.
As lawmakers on both sides of the aisle condemn the violence, the Minnesota shooting has also ignited partisan blame concerning the incendiary rhetoric that has permeated debates on Capitol Hill.
Elon Musk suggested that Boerter was representative of the “far-left.” In response, several Democrats pointed to former President Trump’s rhetoric, which frequently incited violence against Democrats, journalists, and other political adversaries.
“I have witnessed a surge in political violence directed at both sides over the past eight or ten years,” stated Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) during an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “Part of the solution involves pushing for a more civil discourse and a firm condemnation of political violence, regardless of the target.”
Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) noted the “tone” of the previous administration, questioning the factors contributing to heightened tensions across the nation.
Trump criticized the attack as “bad,” but quickly engaged in further conflict with Governor Walz’s criticisms. “I think he’s an awful governor. I consider him an incompetent individual,” Trump told ABC News on Sunday.
Many Republicans swiftly denounced the attack, including Johnson. However, some Republican responses raised eyebrows, such as Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) showing a photo of Boerter while suggesting “this is what happens when Marxists don’t step aside.”
Lee also shared a photo of Boerter wearing a rubber mask, labeling it as a “nightmare on Walz Street.” Hours later, he condemned the attack on social media, stating, “We should not tolerate such hate-filled attacks in Utah, Minnesota, or anywhere in America.”
Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) expressed her anger regarding the circumstances surrounding the attack, mentioning she had dined with the victim shortly before. “This is not a joke. This was a remarkable woman with a husband and two children. Yesterday was Father’s Day; their lives have changed tragically forever,” she remarked. “They lost both parents.”
Mychael Schnell contributed to this report.
Source: thehill.com