How Secret Service combats rising threat of political violence after Minnesota lawmakers shot, Donald Trump assassination attempt
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Sunday marked the anniversary of an assassination attempt on President Donald Trump that resulted in injuries to the president and others, and the death of one individual.

The growing concern over politically motivated violence has prompted local and state lawmakers to focus on new specialized training offered by the U.S. Secret Service.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Lawmakers from across the nation gathered in Chicago for a bipartisan conference where this training was highlighted, aimed at helping them safeguard themselves amidst the increasing threats.

With recent instances of political violence, federal agents say physical and cyber safety is paramount, especially now on a local level.

In the wake of the chilling assassination of a Minnesota lawmaker, the attempted assassination of another and a flurry of politically motivated violence against more state lawmakers, including the fire-bombing of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s home in Pennsylvania, a bipartisan organization founded in Chicago, The Council of State Governments, was moved to act.

“We feel we have an obligation to empower state leaders to take the steps necessary to make sure that they’re protected in an environment in which, frankly, domestic political violence is now an emerging threat,” said David Adkins Executive Director and CEO of CSG.

Adkins talked with the I-Team about state legislators as targets and explained the conference, drawing local lawmakers from across the country here to Chicago, and called on the U.S. Secret Service to speak about the unprecedented threat level now seen against local lawmakers and how they can respond.

“The threats that we have traditionally seen reserved for presidents and vice presidents have now devolved to the lowest levels of state government. And when everyone’s a target, everyone needs to take those steps to prepare,” he said.

Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Secret Service Field Office Joel Heffernan advised local legislators from as close as West Chicago and as far as Alaska on the best ways to prevent the worst possibilities.

READ MORE | ‘Completely blindsided’: Wife of Minnesota lawmaker shooting suspect Vance Boelter speaks out

“Assessing where you’re vulnerable, whether you have children, your spouse, what their exposure is, who knows where you live, and then having local coordination with law enforcement,” he said.

He gave lawmakers a crash course on personal and cyber security, saying, “I think that temperature is starting to raise with what’s going on in the country. So yes, I do believe it is elevating as we speak.”

State Sen. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, told the I-Team she is feeling that pressure acutely.

“Things are so different. When I go to a restaurant, I pay attention to where I’m sitting. I pay attention to where the exits are. I know who’s in my company, who’s in my nearest vicinity, where my phone is at all times it’s pretty intense,” she said.

Among concerns close to home, the I-Team confirmed with Ald. Jason Ervin that his office was targeted by a bomb threat over the Fourth of July weekend.

Chicago police charged a 28-year-old man Monday.

Ervin said it was particularly concerning because his workplace is in a community center that hosts church services and baby showers. He said a threat to an elected official is a threat to the people.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Former Republican lawmaker looks to help US allies take power away from China

Ex-Republican Legislator Aims to Empower US Allies Against China’s Dominance

Cathy McMorris Rodgers is continuing her work on Middle East affairs after…
Tropical Depression Nine: Track, models, expected impacts

Monitoring Tropical Depression Nine: Path Predictions and Potential Effects

It will soon strengthen into Tropical Storm Imelda. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Tropical…
Suspect in NC restaurant shooting identified, charged with murder after 3 killed, at least 5 wounded

NC Restaurant Shooter Identified; Faces Murder Charges with 3 Dead, 5 Injured

A suspect was charged following a shooting by a gunman from a…
Russian foreign minister tells United Nations any aggression against Russia will be met with 'decisive response'

Russian Foreign Minister Warns United Nations of Strong Retaliation to Any Acts Against Russia

UNITED NATIONS — As new tensions rise between Russia and NATO powers,…
Russell M. Nelson, oldest-ever president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dies

Russell M. Nelson, the longest-living president in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passes away.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Russell M. Nelson, the oldest-ever president of…
Out of the Darkness walk for suicide prevention steps off at Montrose Harbor in Chicago; families turn heartbreak into hope

Families Transform Heartache into Hope at Chicago’s Montrose Harbor During the Out of the Darkness Walk for Suicide Prevention

CHICAGO (WLS) — If you or someone you know may be experiencing…
Thieves steal $1M worth in craft whiskey from Washington distillery

Thieves Make Off with $1 Million in Craft Whiskey from Washington Distillery

Thieves who absconded with 12,000 bottles of craft whiskey in a rare…
Trump's comments on autism evoke anger and hope among autistic people and their families

Reactions to Trump’s Remarks on Autism: Anger and Hope Within the Autistic Community and Their Families

An Indiana mother with an autistic son has expressed concern over President…
DOJ Announces Charges Against Activists Who Allegedly Doxxed an ICE Agent After Following Him Home

The DOJ Reveals Charges Against Activists Accused of Revealing ICE Agent’s Personal Information After Tracking Him Home

Amid the bustling news surrounding James Comey and the two-count indictment against…
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco married in private wedding ceremony, couple announces on social media

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco Tie the Knot in Secret Wedding, Share News on Social Media

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco have tied the knot. The renowned couple,…
Humberto strengthens to Category 4, threatens US coast

Humberto Intensifies to Category 4, Poses Threat to US Coastline

Forecasters urged people in the Bahamas and along the southeastern coast of…

Tragic Waterfront Bar Shooting in North Carolina Leaves 3 Dead and 8 Injured

SOUTHPORT, N.C. (AP) — Authorities reported that three individuals were killed and…