Lawmakers Urge Enhanced Security After Minnesota Attacks on Democrats

Heightened Security Concerns Emerge for U.S. Lawmakers Following Violent Incidents

Lawmakers from both parties are calling for updated security for members of Congress following the attacks in Minnesota. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images North America

Following a tragic shooting incident in Minnesota that left one Democratic lawmaker dead and another injured, members of Congress are re-evaluating their safety protocols. This incident has prompted urgent discussions among top leaders in Washington about the security of federal officials.

The shooter, identified as Vance Boelter, reportedly had a list of 45 targeted Democratic politicians. Among those who confirmed being on the list are Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., and Reps. Hillary Scholten, D-Mich., and Greg Landsman, D-Ohio. In response, Scholten canceled a town hall meeting, stating, “Out of an abundance of caution and to not divert additional law enforcement resources away from protecting the broader public at this time, this is the responsible choice.”

A briefing is scheduled for Tuesday morning, where the U.S. Capitol Police and the Senate Sergeant at Arms Office will address senators. Senate leaders John Thune, R-S.D., and Chuck Schumer, D-NY, requested this meeting.

“I say to my colleagues, now is the time to speak with moral clarity,” Schumer emphasized on the Senate floor. “Every single one of us must condemn political violence no matter where it comes from and to work together to eradicate its root causes. We cannot be silent because silence only serves to enable more violence.”

Additionally, Schumer has called for enhanced security for senators from Minnesota and Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif. Padilla was involved in a confrontation with the Department of Homeland Security staff after questioning DHS Secretary Kristi Noem during a Los Angeles press conference.

While some lawmakers advocate for increased security, others remain skeptical. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., highlighted the logistical challenges, stating that the victims were state legislators. “My question would be how far do you go and at what point?” he pondered.

Rounds supports the investigation of online threats against lawmakers, emphasizing that social media can amplify aggressive rhetoric. “Once you get to the point of threatening that’s when maybe someone needs to have a visit with them,” he said.

Increasing threats to members

Threats against lawmakers have risen significantly in recent years. Former Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger indicated that annual threat numbers have surged from a couple thousand to nearly 9,000.

Calls for enhanced security funding continue, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and Rep. Joe Morelle, D-N.Y., urging House Speaker Mike Johnson to prioritize member safety. “Member safety must be an area of common ground. Representatives from both sides of the aisle have endured assassination attempts that changed their lives and careers forever,” they stated.

Sen. Rounds expressed openness to the idea of additional funding, acknowledging that not only lawmakers but also their staff are at risk. A letter advocating for better security is also being circulated among Republican representatives.

NPR’s Luke Garrett and Claudia Grisales contributed to this report.