Schumer: More money needed for senators’ security after Minnesota shootings
Share and Follow


Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) told reporters Tuesday that Congress needs to spend significantly more money on senators’ personal security in the wake of an attack that killed a Minnesota state lawmaker over the weekend.

Schumer said that threats against senators and other elected officials have increased dramatically in recent years and that Capitol police will put together a comprehensive menu of options to better protect lawmakers when they’re away from the Capitol.

“The Capitol police and the [Senate] Sergeant at Arms gave a very detailed discussion about how they can protect members here, back in our states, in our homes, in our offices. The violences, the threats against elected officials, including people in the Senate, has dramatically increased,” he said.

“That means we need more protection. We need more money,” he said.

Schumer said that Sens. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and David McCormick (R-Pa.) both proposed spending more money on senators’ security.

The Democratic leader also called on public officials and prominent commentators to stop using violent rhetoric.

“The rhetoric that’s encouraging violence is coming from too many powerful in this country. We need firm, strong denouncement of all violence and violent rhetoric. That should be from the president and all of the elected officials,” he said.

Schumer said “there’s lots of things that need to be done.”

“Given the increase in threats, we need more protection for senators,” he added.

Asked how much Congress would need to spend to meet his security goals, Schumer said the Capitol Police and sergeant at arms will come up with a security plan and cost estimate.

“We need to do what it takes and they will come up with a dollar amount for us,” he said.

Vance Boelter, 57, the suspect arrested in the shooting two Democratic officials in Minnesota, had a hit list of 45 elected officials, according to state authorities.

He is accused of killing Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman (D) and her husband, and wounding state Sen. John Hoffman (D) and his wife. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
5 arrested in shooting of Indiana judge Judge Steven Meyer

Five Individuals Apprehended in Connection with Shooting of Indiana Judge Steven Meyer

In a shocking incident, five individuals have been apprehended in connection with…
Husband of alleged Minnesota church invasion organizer dismisses 'Beavis and Butt-Head' DOJ prosecution

Spouse of Accused Minnesota Church Invasion Leader Criticizes DOJ’s ‘Beavis and Butt-Head’ Charges

The husband of a woman, whom Attorney General Pam Bondi credited with…
Olympian drug kingpin Ryan Wedding is CAUGHT

Former Olympian Ryan Wedding Arrested in Major Drug Trafficking Bust

Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder now facing serious allegations of cocaine…
Kim Raver on Teddy's Future, romance twists and directing a 'not‑to‑miss' Grey's Anatomy episode on ABC

Kim Raver Teases Teddy’s Next Chapter and Exciting Romance Twists in Must-Watch Grey’s Anatomy Episode on ABC

NEW YORK — Kim Raver, known for her role as Dr. Teddy…
Rams-Seahawks grudge match could be an all-time classic

Epic Showdown Alert: Rams vs. Seahawks Promises Unforgettable NFL Clash

Reflecting on past encounters, it seems clear now that the Rams and…
Texas Black man exonerated nearly 70 years after execution in case marked by racial bias

Texas Man Posthumously Exonerated Nearly 70 Years After Execution in Racially Biased Case

HOUSTON (AP) — Almost seven decades after a Black man from Texas…
Uvalde trial halted after key witness changes testimony

Ex-Uvalde School Officer Stands by Actions Following Acquittal

A former school police officer from Uvalde has spoken publicly for the…
Indiana judge shooting: Police arrest 3 on attempted murder charges, 2 others in custody

Indiana Judge Shooting: Authorities Arrest Three on Attempted Murder Charges, Detain Two Additional Suspects

Authorities in Indiana have apprehended five individuals in connection with the shooting…