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
Matthew Cuadra, April Valencia killed, 3 hurt in car crash near 75th and Vincennes in Greater Grand Crossing, Chicago: officials

Tragic Car Accident in Greater Grand Crossing: Two Dead, Three Injured Near 75th and Vincennes, Chicago Officials Report

CHICAGO (WLS) — A tragic accident on Chicago’s South Side claimed two…
GOP, Dems spar over shutdown, violence, ICE arrests in town hall

Fiery Town Hall Showdown: GOP and Democrats Clash Over Government Shutdown, Rising Violence, and ICE Arrests

During a riveting two-hour town hall on Wednesday night, NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo…
Trump immigration crackdown may eliminate 15M workers by 2035: Study

Study Projects Potential Loss of 15 Million Workers by 2035 Under Trump Immigration Policies

According to a newly released study, President Trump’s immigration policies are projected…
ABC7 Chicago Junior Sportscaster Contest

ABC7 Chicago Launches Contest for Aspiring Junior Sportscasters

CHICAGO (WLS) — Have you ever imagined yourself as the voice behind…
Simone Biles in Chicago: Olympic gymnast speaks with children in foster care system at Friends of the Children event in West Loop

Simone Biles Inspires Chicago’s Foster Youth: Olympic Legend Engages with Future Stars at Friends of the Children Event

In the Windy City, Olympic champion Simone Biles has become a familiar…
City of Harvey seeks approval from Illinois to be declared 'financially distressed' city, officials speak out, questions raised

Harvey’s Financial Crisis: Illinois City Seeks ‘Distressed’ Status Amid Growing Concerns

In an unexpected twist of events, the City of Harvey, Illinois, is…
After Trying to Shield Politicians From AI Mockery, Gavin Newsom Vetoes Wider Effort to Protect Kids

Gavin Newsom Rejects Bill Aimed at Shielding Children from AI Mockery, Following Political Protection Effort

It seems that a week seldom passes without California Governor Gavin Newsom…
McDonald's worker shoots customer in neck during 'McMess' altercation, Florida sheriff says

Florida McDonald’s Incident: Employee Allegedly Shoots Customer Amid Dispute, Reports Sheriff

A recent incident at a McDonald’s in Polk County, Florida, took a…
Trump immigration crackdown may eliminate 15M workers by 2035: Study

Impact of Trump’s Immigration Policy: Could It Lead to a 15 Million Worker Shortfall by 2035?

In a recent report released on Friday, new findings indicate that President…
Israel identifies remains of 10th deceased hostage handed over by Hamas

Israel Confirms Identification of Tenth Deceased Hostage’s Remains Returned by Hamas

In a recent development, Israel confirmed on Saturday that the remains handed…
Photos of Eitan Levi, Uriel Baruch, and Tamir Nimrodi over photo of Israeli flag

IDF Discovers Anomalies: Hamas Returns Unidentified Body, Sparking Mystery Among Hostage Families

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Tuesday that one of the…
'No Kings' protest in St. Augustine

St. Augustine’s ‘No Kings’ Protest Draws Attention: Citizens Rally for Equality and Justice

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Protesters gathered in St. Augustine on Saturday as…