Members of Congress are reviewing and reassessing their security measures following a tragic shooting incident in Minnesota that left one Democratic lawmaker dead and another injured.
The attack, which occurred on Saturday, involved a gunman named Vance Boelter, who was found to have a “hit list” of 45 elected Democrats, including prominent figures such as Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., and Reps. Hillary Scholten, D-Mich., and Greg Landsman, D-Ohio.
In the aftermath of the attack, top leaders in Washington quickly condemned the violence and initiated discussions about enhancing the safety and security of federal lawmakers.
Scholten, who was mentioned in the gunman’s list, decided to cancel a town hall meeting in her district on Monday. She justified her decision by saying it was made out of an “abundance of caution” to avoid diverting law enforcement resources from protecting the broader public amid ongoing security concerns.
In a related development, senators will convene on Tuesday morning for a security briefing by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Senate Sergeant at Arms Office. This briefing was requested by Senate leaders John Thune, R-S.D., and Chuck Schumer, D-NY, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
During a Senate floor speech, Schumer emphasized the importance of condemning political violence universally.
“I say to my colleagues, now is the time to speak with moral clarity,” Schumer stated. “Every single one of us must condemn political violence no matter where it comes from and work together to eradicate its root causes. Silence only serves to enable more violence.”
Schumer added that he has sought additional security support for not only the senators from Minnesota but also for Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif. Padilla, who had a physical confrontation with Department of Homeland Security staff last Thursday, identified himself to staff and attempted to raise questions concerning mass-deportation in Los Angeles. This confrontation resulted in him being restrained and handcuffed.
Padilla has since discussed the current security issues and plans to engage further with his colleagues, though he has refrained from linking the security measures and the attack in Minnesota directly.
“I’ll have more to say in the coming days,” Padilla mentioned when approached by reporters.
However, skepticism regarding increased security measures has emerged from some lawmakers.
Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., pointed out that those attacked were state legislators, suggesting that permanent security for all lawmakers might not be feasible. “My question would be how far do you go and at what point?” Rounds asked.
He recognized that the U.S. Capitol Police can authorize extra protection for members when a known threat exists. Nevertheless, he called for a deeper investigation into online threats against lawmakers, linking the increase in threats to heightened rhetoric on social media platforms.
“Once you get to the point of threatening, that’s when maybe someone needs to have a visit with them,” Rounds stated.
The threats against lawmakers have notably increased over recent years. According to Thomas Manger, the former Capitol Police Chief who retired earlier this year, the rate of threats has risen dramatically. “We’re averaging eight to 9,000 every year. It’s really shot through the roof,” he disclosed in an interview in January.
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., echoed the sentiment that all lawmakers should collaborate in reducing political tension and violence.
“We need to turn down the political temperature, and we must end political violence,” Hawley said while calling for strict legal repercussions for those who plan acts of violence.
From both sides of the aisle, there have been calls for Congress to enable lawmakers to spend more on their personal security. In this light, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., along with Rep. Joe Morelle, D-N.Y., have urged House Speaker Mike Johnson to bolster protections for members.
“Member safety must be an area of common ground,” they emphasized in a letter. “Representatives from both sides of the aisle have endured assassination attempts that changed their lives and careers forever.”
They urged for immediate action to safeguard lawmakers and preserve the integrity of Congress as an institution.
When asked about the calls for increased protection from House Democrats, Rounds, who is part of the Senate spending panel overseeing legislative funding, responded positively, stating, “That’s not a bad idea” while also acknowledging that the safety of staff members is a significant concern.
In this context, Republican members are also circulating a letter advocating for enhanced security measures, as reflected in a draft obtained by NPR.
This surge in serious discussions about legislative security underscores the escalating tension and possible risks that lawmaking officials face in the current political climate.
image source from：https://www.wypr.org/2025-06-16/lawmakers-in-washington-press-for-more-security-following-minnesota-shooting
