On Tuesday, the senator urged Capitol police to bolster security funding for its members following the tragic shooting involving Minnesota senators.
The assassination of Melissa Hortman, the former Democratic chair of the Minnesota House, along with her husband over the weekend, has left lawmakers shaken, already on edge due to escalating political rhetoric and the rising threats to their safety.
This incident prompted briefings from Capitol Police and the Senate Sergeant for military members, during which numerous lawmakers advocated for increased security funding.
“We need a more systematic approach to address security threats. The rise in such threats is evident, and we require a comprehensive plan along with enhanced security measures,” he stated.
“This includes not only funding but also better coordination and general situational awareness,” he added. “If there’s a threat to our members, ensuring everyone else is aware could be crucial, as these threats might be interconnected.”
The briefings were requested by Senate Majority Leader John Tune (Rs.D.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (DN.Y.).
Schumer emphasized the need for increased funding to enhance security for senators on both sides of the aisle.
“The discussions with Capitol Police and the [Senate] Sergeant addressed how to safeguard our members better, whether in our offices, homes, or on the ground. The threats against elected officials, including those in the Senate, have surged significantly,” the Democratic leader remarked.
“This necessitates increased protection and funding,” he continued. “In our country, violent rhetoric is perpetuated by too many powerful voices. All elected officials, including the president, must explicitly condemn violence and its rhetoric.”
Many members were reluctant to delve into the specifics regarding security stemming from the meeting, largely due to discomfort discussing their personal safety. However, they did express an increasing unease concerning these threats. According to Capitol Police, there were 9,474 threats investigated against lawmakers, their families, and staff in 2024, surpassing the previous year’s total of over 8,000—a record high.
The question remains whether funding will be sufficient. Capitol Police are requesting nearly $1 billion for the fiscal year 2026.
Thomas Manor, who recently stepped down from his leadership role at the department, cautioned the senator last month that the “increasingly threatening environment” demands more funds, despite previous budget cuts from the Trump administration.
The senator concurred that this is not the ideal moment for budget adjustments.
“There’s a prevailing sentiment that we need to enhance resources and support for the Capitol Police. Expecting to protect 535 individuals across 535 locations is challenging yet not insurmountable,” stated Sen. Kevin Kramer (RN.D.).
“We’re likely in a period where we must take further action—whatever that entails,” Kramer added.
Authorities have indicated that Belter has also created a “kill list” of 45 Democratic officials, including Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and several House members.
This shooting incident in Minnesota follows closely behind two assassination attempts against President Trump within the last year, as well as previous threats to lawmakers’ lives, like the near-fatal shooting of former Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.) in 2011 and the 2017 shooting involving Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.).
Some senators have remarked that existing Congressional resources for securing their homes fall short.
Sen. Mark Wayne Marin (R) shared on Monday the considerable security enhancements made at his Oklahoma ranch, pointing to longstanding security concerns expressed to Capitol Police and Senate management.
Among the upgrades Marin mentioned were bulletproof glass, security cameras, and a highly trained security dog ready for action if needed. He acknowledged this was a “significant effort,” driven by a series of death threats.
“We’re perhaps overreacting, but this is the reality we face. I’m not overshooting with security, but threats necessitate these measures,” he stated.
He further noted that he has personally funded some of these additional security expenses.
Members are also allowed to utilize their campaign accounts to cover some of their security costs.
“Regrettably, this is the reality we live in, which is a source of concern for all of us,” he concluded. “This is something that should be addressed collectively.”
Source: thehill.com