And it could revive calls to beef up spending on personal security for lawmakers — a concern that has flared after the attack on Paul Pelosi, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) husband, last October, and, more broadly, the Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol. Lawmakers have, generally, reported an uptick in public harassment in recent years.
Led by the sergeant at arms office, House officials increased security funding last year, creating a residential program that funds at-home cameras, motion sensors and locks for lawmakers at a cost of up to $10,000.
Capitol Police said last fall it needed more resources to provide “physical security” for members of Congress at their residences after the Pelosi attack highlighted shortcomings. The department also opened field offices in Florida and California in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot to investigate threats to lawmakers.
Lawmakers have become increasingly concerned about their safety in recent years, with the Capitol Police citing 7,501 investigations into threats in 2022, including direct threats and “concerning statements.”
The Capitol Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment.