Political violence is surging in America, and it’s hitting lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

From mayors and state legislators to the 535 members of Congress, public officials are increasingly finding themselves and their families in the crosshairs. 

In 2024 alone, U.S. Capitol Police investigated more than 9,000 threats against lawmakers, marking more than an 18% increase from the year prior and part of a trend of growing threats against public officials, according to police records.

In Washington, members of Congress benefit from the U.S. Capitol Police. The agency’s mandate extends beyond guarding the Capitol itself to investigating threats against lawmakers and coordinating with local police when danger arises in members’ home districts. Since the January 6 riots, the agency has expanded its intelligence and threat-monitoring operations.

To address security at home, Congress approved funding for lawmakers to install surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and reinforced doors at their personal residences.

Most state lawmakers do not have their own protective service like the Capitol Police. Instead, responsibility falls to state police or highway patrol units, which can provide escorts or home surveillance when threats are deemed credible.