HUNT VALLEY, Md. (TNND) — The House of Representatives’s head of security announced Monday that members can obtain more protection beginning next week, a memo obtained by Axios shows.
Sergeant at Arms William McFarland said in an email that his office will provide lawmakers up to $20,000 a month starting Monday to hire security. Members will also be able to buy more home safety products through a $20,000 lifetime provision, including fences, gates, security doors, window bars and bulletproof windows.
Lawmakers are going to receive $350 each month for their security systems as well, along with access to an app to discretely reach law enforcement.
Members of Congress have asked for more protection throughout this year after perceived threats from President Donald Trump and the killings of political figures.
Last week, Trump expressed support for killing a group of Democrats who said members of the military can refuse illegal orders. He shared a social media post from a user who urged, “HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!” and wrote in his own post, “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”
Some of the Democrats said they received more death threats than usual, including Rep. Jason Crow, a Colorado Democrat who reported a bomb threat Friday against his Aurora district office.
In September, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed in a shooting during one of his debate events, in which he baited usually liberal college students into engaging in hostile and combative arguments.
The House administrative committee announced more security funding for lawmakers a week later, explaining that the “threat level” was “high.”
“I’m pleased that Leader Jeffries and I, along with Speaker Johnson and Chairman Steil, could work together to double the amount our security pilot program provides to Members,” top committee Democrat Joe Morelle said in a statement, referencing House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Speaker Mike Johnson and panel Chairman Bryan Steil.
“More needs to be done to secure Members, staff and constituents but this is an important and necessary start.”
The committee began a pilot program in July to provide lawmakers with funds for personal security. There were shootings of state lawmakers weeks earlier, when Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman was killed and state Sen. John Hoffman was wounded by the same person. Trump said after the attack that “horrific violence” was not going to be allowed.
“Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America,” the president said in a statement.
Have questions, concerns or tips? Send them to Ray at rjlewis@sbgtv.com.