House lawmakers are shoring up their security this campaign season amid a rise in threats and heightened safety concerns heading into the election.
Democrats and Republicans said they’ve been working with local law enforcement to make sure they’re staying safe as they campaign. Many also noted increased concerns after the two recent assassination attempts against former President Donald Trump. And, of, course there’s a long history of violence targeting lawmakers directly.
We spoke with over a dozen members about their concerns about safety and security. Some declined to comment publicly due to the sensitive nature of the topic, but they all expressed the need to enhance protection measures.
An uptick in threats: The U.S. Capitol Police, which only releases annual data, noted that there were more than 8,000 threat reports in 2023. USCP tracks verbal or written threats targeted toward members, Hill staff and the Capitol complex.
Sources within USCP told us that they’re on track to exceed last year’s figure as threats typically heighten during election years and amid high-profile news events.
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) told us while he tries to “tune out” threats, he recalled his wife getting a threat last fall related to his opposition to Rep. Jim Jordan’s (R-Ohio) speaker bid.
And Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) said she’s been the victim of heavy political protest over her stance on Israel.
“I’ve had security come to my home because of the pro-Palestinian protesters,” Beatty told us. “My staff in the district is very sensitive to making sure that I have appropriate security for large events when things happen. We’re cautious like all the members are.”
A critical response: Lawmakers can use both their office funds – known as the Members’ Representational Allowance – and campaign dollars to hire security.
Last month, the Federal Election Commission expanded the use of federal campaign funds to allow political candidates, family members and staff to pay for additional physical and cybersecurity protections.
The House Administration Committee has also been giving presentations to members about the options and resources available for their safety.
And the panel is in the early stages of working with the Capitol Police to figure out the best ways to help Special Assistant US attorneys better prosecute threats against members.
Both Chair Bryan Steil (R-Wis.) and Ranking Member Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) said they’re in frequent contact with Capitol Police about member safety.
“Safety remains a top priority for me,” Steil told us. “I am in constant communication with both members and U.S. Capitol Police on how we can enhance security for offices in D.C. and personal districts.”
The committee’s Modernization Subcommittee has also taken steps to enhance the House switchboard to better help the Sergeant At Arms track threatening calls.
Separately, House Democrats also launched a task force to investigate member security back in December 2023.
For high-profile members like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), threats are a constant worry whenever they’re away from the Capitol.
Ocasio-Cortez was targeted at a New York movie theater earlier this year by pro-Palestinian activists. AOC said more needs to be done to prevent hostile and sometimes dangerous confrontations with protesters.
“A lot remains to be desired in terms of district-level security,” Ocasio-Cortez told us. “It’s something that certainly should be worked on. It’s absolutely an issue.”
