The U.S. Capitol Police investigated about 7,500 circumstances of potential threats towards members of Congress in 2022, an company spokesperson stated Tuesday.
That quantity is traditionally excessive, however barely down from 2021, when there have been 9,600, and 2020, when there have been 8,600 circumstances of potential threats towards federal lawmakers.
The variety of circumstances in 2021 was twice what it was in 2017.
“The threats against Members of Congress are still too high,” stated U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger. “This has resulted in a necessary expansion of not only our investigative capabilities, but our protection responsibilities as well. While that work is ongoing, everyone continuing to decrease violent political rhetoric across the country is the best way to keep everyone safe.”
Some high-profile threats and assaults towards members of Congress have rattled lawmakers lately.
In 2017, GOP Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana was shot and significantly wounded throughout a congressional baseball observe in Alexandria, Va., whereas he was surrounded by different lawmakers. Scalise, who underwent intensive rehabilitation, survived, and is now the Republican House majority chief.
In October, Paul Pelosi, husband of then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was attacked of their San Francisco dwelling by a suspect who allegedly shouted, “Where is Nancy?” earlier than assaulting Paul Pelosi with a hammer.
In August, A 22-year-old Pennsylvania man pleaded responsible to fees of threatening to shoot and kill Rep. Eric Swalwell of California.
In July, a 43-year-old man was arrested and charged with assaulting a member of Congress after he allegedly tried to stab Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin in New York.
Shortly after Jan. 6, 2021, House members wrote to their leaders saying they’re “targets” and requested for extra safety.
A $1.7 trillion spending invoice enacted in December consists of House member safety. The regulation requires the U.S. House and Capitol Police to “enhance member protection including providing a security program for Congressional Leadership, expanding Dignitary Protection Division services and expanding USCP field office presence,” which might deploy and broaden Capitol Police safety to cities exterior of Washington.