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
Affluent Virginia suburb rocked as trial begins for ex-federal agent husband in nanny love-triangle murders

Virginia Nanny Moves into Master Bedroom Amidst Shocking Love Triangle Murder Case: New Photos Uncovered

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT The courtroom in Virginia was filled with tension as…
Supplements you shouldn't take with coffee because it's a waste

Stop Wasting Your Supplements: The Surprising Truth About Mixing Them with Coffee

Your morning cup of coffee might just be the key to a…
Sharon Stone slams 'kids' who said stole a seat at awards show

Sharon Stone Calls Out Seat Stealing Incident at Awards Show

In a fiery address that has taken social media by storm, Sharon…
Teddi Mellencamp's dad shares update about 'really sick' star

Teddi Mellencamp’s Father Provides Health Update on Ailing Star

John Mellencamp has shared a troubling update regarding his daughter Teddi Mellencamp’s…
Gurnee pedestrian killed: Javier Contreras-Bulnes charged months after Amber Knowles hit, killed by truck on Delany Road: Police

Tragic Gurnee Incident: Javier Contreras-Bulnes Charged Months After Fatal Delany Road Accident Involving Amber Knowles

GURNEE, Ill. (WLS) — In a significant development, charges have been filed…
Magnitude 6.0 earthquake strikes West Coast and felt in major cities

Powerful 6.0 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes West Coast, Impact Felt Across Major Cities

A powerful earthquake off the coast of Oregon has sent tremors through…
Kankakee man Nicholas Monacelli charged with hate crime after Vinisha Sherrod injured at Mac & Frankie's bar in Bradley: Police

Kankakee Resident Faces Hate Crime Charges Following Bar Incident in Bradley

A man is now facing multiple charges, including a hate crime, following…
Mexican drug cartel leader extradited to the US to face federal drug trafficking charges

Rocky Mountain States See Surge in Fentanyl and Meth Seizures as Mexican Cartels Intensify Trafficking Efforts

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) achieved unprecedented seizure records last year in…