Lawmakers get safety briefing after Minnesota shootings
Share and Follow


() A new House proposal would provide additional security to lawmakers when they return to their home districts on recess or during weekends.

The measure comes as Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar joins the growing number of lawmakers advocating for more protection as threats of political violence start to surge.

“I personally think we need one: More security for members, I’ve been a longtime advocate for this and have worked with the police in the Capitol,” Klobuchar said at the Hill Nation Summit. “But we have to do more in the local areas.”

The shootings of the two Democratic Minnesota state lawmakers are still fresh on many lawmakers’ minds. Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband died as a result of the shooting, and Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were seriously injured.

House lawmakers believe that at this moment, given the threat level, something more is needed to keep them safe in their home districts and during events there.

The plan would increase what could be considered as Congress’s individual allowance. Each member gets a certain amount of discretionary money that they can use however they wish. That funding would increase to $20,000 per year just for security, and $10,000 of it can be used for physical security improvements in their homes, according to the U.S. Committee on House Administration.

It would also call for greater collaboration with local law enforcement.

The U.S. Capitol Police said the threat level against politicians has increased in the last couple of years. In 2017, there were nearly 4,000 credible threats and in 2024, that number rose to 9,474. Authorities said the credible threat level could likely reach 10,000 this year.

“I think the rules already allow for any type of hardening for security to happen,” Republican North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis said. “I think members just need to use discretion. $20,000 frankly sounds a little ritz to me, but there are people getting active threats, and there are two people serving prison sentences for death threats against me, and I promise I’ll prosecute anybody who threatens my safety and my family’s safety.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Four people found dead after abandoning baby on front lawn

Tragic Discovery: Four Bodies Found, Baby Left on Lawn

Late Tuesday night, four individuals were found deceased in Lake County, Tennessee,…
Miami sailing camp disaster boat captain tested for alcohol after deadly collision, 7-year-old victim ID’d

Miami sailing camp disaster boat captain tested for alcohol after deadly collision, 7-year-old victim ID’d

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The U.S. Coast Guard…
Delta pilot arrested after landing at California airport charged in child sex abuse case

Delta Pilot Detained After Landing in California, Faces Charges in Child Sexual Abuse Case

SAN FRANCISCO — The Contra Costa County District Attorney in Northern California…
Roger Goodell's staff letter revealed after shooting at NFL building

Letter from Roger Goodell’s Team Made Public Following NFL Building Shooting

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has instructed staff not to return to the…
Secret Service agent tried to smuggle wife on Trump's Scotland trip

Secret Service Officer Attempted to Sneak Spouse onto Trump’s Scotland Visit

(The Hill) – The Secret Service is conducting a “personnel investigation” after…
Monkeys 'running a scam' at sacred temple, frustrated tourists say after phone thefts

Monkeys ‘running a scam’ at sacred temple, frustrated tourists say after phone thefts

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Monkeys have been stealing…
Lyons Township, IL homeowners waiting on certificates of error to receive thousands in Cook County property tax refund money

Lyons Township Residents Await Certificate of Error for Cook County Property Tax Refunds

LYONS TOWNSHIP, Ill. (WLS) — It is money homeowners are owed but…
Two firms compete to buy former JEA headquarters in Downtown Jacksonville

Rival Companies Vie for Former JEA Headquarters in Downtown Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Historical Society has called JEA’s former headquarters “one of the…