‘Enough is Enough’: Congress Faces Double the Threats

Trump leads a campaign rally in Tempe, AZ

Members of Congress have reportedly faced more than double the number of threats compared to that of the late 2010s. Security agencies have ramped up protection, but many local officials have noted they still lack coverage. Political violence and threats have remained significant concerns, leading lawmakers to increasingly speak up regarding the threats they have faced.

Police reclaiming the Capitol during protests

Lawmakers have continued to advocate for greater funding for the Capitol Police and broader access to security resources. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said, “The violence and threats against elected officials, including people in the Senate, have drastically increased. That means we need more protection. We need more money.”

Capitol Police patrol on January 6 anniversary

Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) stated, “I got run off the road because some individual wanted to get my attention, and he couldn't, and he decided to use his vehicle as a weapon. Enough is enough.”

Trump arrives at Palm Beach International Airport

Violence and threats have escalated following the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania. Lawmakers from both parties have urged improved security and a reduction in divisive rhetoric.

Rep. Mike Kelly discusses assassination attempt

Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) said, “Let's be clear, we must stand up together to oppose violence against our nation's leaders all across each party.”

Marjorie Taylor Greene speaks before Trump

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) said, “The Capitol Police don’t have enough resources, and all of my colleagues here can tell you their own stories of dealing with death threats. I think we do need protection—and we don’t have any.”

Kristi Noem testifies about Homeland Security

Federal arrests for threats against public officials have hit record highs. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cited political violence as a top threat, driven by divisive online discourse.

Chuck Schumer discusses social security issues

Experts and security officials have expressed concern about the normalization of political violence, noting that judges and law enforcement officers also face increased risk.

Protests against Trump administration on President

George Washington University Program on Extremism Research Fellow Jon Lewis said, “We continue to see a normalizing of political violence, a very casual acceptance that some elected officials may be legitimate targets for violence — based on conspiracies, based on disinformation — and unfortunately and tragically, we’ve seen that that has real world consequences.”

David Wilson covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.