Congress' fight over security erupts after Minnesota shootings

A long-simmering fight over congressional security roared back to the surface this weekend following a pair of shootings against Minnesota state legislators at their homes that left two dead and two others hospitalized.Why it matters: The shootings have deeply unnerved members of Congress, who feel that any one of them could be the subject of an unanticipated attack — particularly at home in their districts and while in transit.Personal security details are largely a privilege for top congressional leaders and — in some cases — other high-profile members facing specific, credible threats.Rank-and-file members are renewing a push for greater security, arguing for their own details, greater safety measures at their homes and at airports and more stringent measures to hide their sensitive details.Driving the news: Minnesota state House Democratic Leader Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed at their home early on Saturday.The suspect, identified by law enforcement officials as 57-year-old Vance Boelter, also allegedly shot Democratic state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife at their home, leaving both hospitalized.Boelter was allegedly dressed as a police officer and driving a vehicle similar to those used by local law enforcement.He also had what investigators described as a "manifesto" that listed other Democratic lawmakers, as well as prominent abortion rights advocates, officials allege.State of play: The shooting sent shockwaves through Capitol Hill, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) saying he asked for increased security for Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.).House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said he similarly asked security officials to "ensure the safety of our Minnesota delegation and Members of Congress across the country."The Capitol Police said in a statement Saturday it was "aware of the violence targeting state lawmakers in Minnesota" and had "been working with our federal, state and local partners," but declined to offer further details.What they're saying: "I call on the Capitol Police to assist in providing real solutions for increased security for members," said Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), the ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee.Thompson, who had a security detail in 2022 as chair of the Jan. 6 committee, said he expects "full cooperation and resources from Republican leadership.""We're just as exposed as [Hortman] was. We have no more security than she does. You know, Capitol Police is not equipped ... for 435 members, to keep them safe," Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) told Axios in an interview."It's not their fault," he added. "Things have changed. And as Congress becomes less functional in general, we can't even function to keep ourselves safe."What we're hearing: House Republicans held a call on Saturday afternoon, in which lawmakers exhorted their leadership to provide more security resources to individual members.Specific proposals included increasing security measures at members' homes and at airports, as well as boosting security for meetings, according to three House Republicans who were on the call.One of the GOP lawmakers, asked if leadership was receptive to those pleas, told Axios they "don't think so" and that "nothing's changed."A spokesperson for House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) did not respond to a request for comment.What's next: Jeffries will host a virtual briefing next Tuesday afternoon on members' security, according to invites viewed by Axios.A senior House Democrat told Axios that their colleagues are "scared" and want their addresses hidden — as well as regular security updates — and "won't be silenced."Another House Democrat said there is "heavy demand" in the party for rank-and-file members to have their own security details.The intrigue: Moskowitz told Axios he may force a House vote on holding what is called a "secret session" so members can have sensitive security discussions "if I have to."Such sessions, in which lawmakers can debate on the House floor away from public view, are typically used to discuss confidential information, as was the case the last time the House went into a secret session in 2008.Moskowitz can force a vote on his proposal unilaterally through what is called a privileged motion. "Maybe it also won't come to that," he told Axios. "Maybe we'll hear something from the speaker in the next week."Go deeper: Police make arrest after Texas capitol evacuated over threat to lawmakers

Comments

World news

Iran on the brink of collapse as political leadership flees Islamic regime

Express

Trump’s team claims 250,000 supporters watched his military parade. ‘No Kings’ protests drew at least 4 million, experts say

about 3 hours ago

Trump rejected Israeli plan to kill Iran’s supreme leader, reports say

Independent

Comments

Similar News

Minnesota shootings set off five-alarm fire in Congress

Israel’s Strikes on Iran Divide Congress, Drawing Praise and Concern

Jan 6 cops file lawsuit to force Congress to install honorary plaque at Capitol

Navy secretary tells Congress U.S. shipbuilding programs 'a mess'

Trump’s big birthday military parade is set for Saturday. His allies in Congress will not be there

California Congress members to question Hegseth about federal military deployment in L.A.

Congress Must Constrain Trump

Fired US librarian of Congress details callous dismissal in new interview

Bipartisan fury erupts in Congress over GOP Rep. Mary Miller's "ignorant" post about Sikhs

Democrats claim Trump’s travel ban is just a distraction so his spending bill can get through Congress

Kari Lake sends firing plan to Congress that will leave Voice of America with only 18 employees

Trump pushes Congress to cut $9.4bn in funding for NPR, PBS and foreign aid

Trump asks Congress to pull $9.4 billion in funding for NPR, PBS and foreign aid

Trump demands Congress back DOGE’s $9.4 billion cuts to USAID and PBS

Vought says Trump may not need Congress’s approval to cut federal workforce

Budget head Vought floats impoundment to sidestep Congress on DOGE cuts

Trump asking Congress to help with $9.4 billion in DOGE cuts

Congress Takes Aim at a Pillar of Civil Society

The future of Trump's drug pricing plan may run through Congress

Dad of DC shooting suspect attended Trump’s address to Congress in March as guest of a Democratic congressman

World news

Iran on the brink of collapse as political leadership flees Islamic regime

A teenager with a job making burritos became a powerful Minnesota lawmaker who trained service dogs

Bodycam footage shows horrifying moment cops helped Florida girl with severed hand after shark attack

‘Innocent bystander’ fatally shot during Salt Lake City ‘No Kings’ protest, police say

Boy who filmed Air India crash was trying to show friends ‘how planes fly’

'With the help of God' Iran will 'preserve territorial integrity', ambassador to UK says

First Air India crash funeral held as Brit mum first victim released to family

Miami zoo tortoise turns 135 and celebrates his first Father’s Day

Severe thunderstorm watches issued for central and southern Alberta on Sunday

Trump ruled out Israeli assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, U.S. officials say

Israel Diminished Iran’s Air Defenses in Rounds of Strikes

Israel and Iran Trade Attacks as Toll From Conflict Mounts

Sen. Tom Cotton: New security considerations needed for Americans targeted by Iran

Trump vetoed Israeli plan to kill Iran's supreme leader, U.S. official tells AP

Russia sparks WW3 panic as Putin's army prepares invasion on Nato country's neighbour

Macron takes 10-word swipe at Trump as he arrives in Greenland

Flash flooding kills 3 in West Virginia, rescue teams searching for missing people

Why it is Groundhog Day for Starmer with Trump at the G7

Trump’s team claims 250,000 supporters watched his military parade. ‘No Kings’ protests drew at least 4 million, experts say

Trump rejected Israeli plan to kill Iran’s supreme leader, reports say

'Sweet and gentle' mother from London first British Air India crash victim released to family

‘I won’t back down on PIP cuts’, Starmer tells 150 rebel Labour MPs

Spanish locals shoot water at visitors in protests against mass tourism

Italian art museum calls out visitors who sat on crystal chair and broke it

Trump has not called Walz following shooting of Minnesota lawmakers

Iran’s air defenses were diminished in rounds of conflict, giving Israel greater aerial freedom.

Taiwan adds China's Huawei and SMIC to export control list

Saudi Arabia executes a journalist after 7 years behind bars. Activists say it was over his tweets

French ex-president Sarkozy stripped of Legion of Honor medal over corruption scandal

2 killed and 32 injured after a bridge collapses at a tourist destination in western India

4 years after Haiti's president was killed, the investigation drags on

Remains of Air India crash victims are handed over to relatives

In White Sox stadium broadcast, Pope Leo XIV sends message of hope to Chicago and the U.S.

Trump warns Tehran not to strike U.S. as Israel says Iran campaign could last weeks

Huge turnout at a second Dutch protest seeking government action against Israel

Helicopter carrying Hindu pilgrims crashes in India's Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, killing 7

Melania Trump's true feelings about Donald's parade laid bare as he 'slumps' on camera

Anti-tourist protests turn ugly in Spain holiday hotspot

Real reason Israel had to launch pre-emptive strike against Iran

Trump urges Iran and Israel to ‘make a deal’ - as hawks in the Senate push for regime change

Seven people killed in Himalayan helicopter crash just days after Air India disaster

Child, 2, among seven people killed in India helicopter crash

easyJet Cyprus to UK flight forced to make emergency landing after 'smoke smell'

Man shot dead, another severely injured in brazen Bali villa attack

Calgary police investigate suspicious death downtown on Saturday

Marchand, Bennett too hot for Oilers to handle in Game 5 of Stanley Cup final

Macron visits Greenland, criticizes Trump’s takeover threats on way to G7

Lawmakers urge defense if Iran attacks U.S. targets

Carney, Trump to meet Monday as leaders gather in Canada for G7 summit

Manhunt in Minnesota lawmaker attacks widens to nearby state

As Israel and Iran Continue to Bomb Each Other, New Yorkers Fear for Their Loved Ones

Mum of two is first British Air India crash victim released to family

British man stranded in Israel considers desert escape after Iranian missile strikes

Spaniards packing water guns blame mass tourism for housing crunch

Ukraine drone attack on Russia’s Tatarstan region leaves at least 1 dead, 13 injured

Huge turnout at second Dutch protest seeking action against Israel

A bike ride by the G7 security cordon