Lawmakers get safety briefing after Minnesota shootings
Share this @internewscast.com


() 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 this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Persistent Thunderstorms Heighten Flooding Risks Following Atmospheric River’s Impact on California

LOS ANGELES – California recently faced the wrath of a formidable atmospheric…

ETSU Triumphs Over Western Carolina with a 52-35 Victory in the Blue Ridge Border Battle

East Tennessee State University’s Buccaneers football team made history on Saturday by…

ETSU Basketball Stages Thrilling Comeback Victory Over North Alabama: A Second-Half Triumph

East Tennessee State University’s basketball team showcased a remarkable comeback in Florence,…

Rich-R-Tone Records Marks 80 Years with Exclusive Commemorative Box Set Release

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Down Home venue was buzzing with…

Urgent: VSP and Smyth County Sheriff’s Office Seek Public’s Help in Locating Missing Senior from Marion

The Virginia State Police (VSP) have announced a senior alert in cooperation…

Tragic Landslide in Vietnam: Six Perish as Torrential Rains Trigger Mountain Pass Disaster

HANOI – A catastrophic landslide on a perilous mountain pass in Vietnam…

Senator Fetterman Returns Home After Hospitalization Following Fall: Pennsylvania’s Voice Back in Action

WASHINGTON – Pennsylvania’s Senator John Fetterman has returned to his family after…

Breaking News: Major Shake-Up Predicted in College Football’s AP Top 25 Rankings!

For the past three weeks, the AP Top 25 college football rankings…

Trump Stands by Tucker Carlson Amid Backlash Over Interview with Controversial Activist

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – On Sunday, President Donald Trump downplayed worries…

Kingsport’s Christmas Connection Celebrates 46 Years of Unique Gift Offerings

The MeadowView Convention Center in Kingsport, Tennessee, recently transformed into a festive…

Chile’s Political Crossroads: Hard-Right Gains Momentum Ahead of Tense Presidential Runoff

SANTIAGO – As Chile approaches a contentious presidential runoff, the spotlight is…

Rural Surge: Péter Magyar Challenges Orbán with Growing Support in Hungarian Election Campaign

BUDAPEST – Although Hungary’s parliamentary elections are still several months away, the…