Trump shooting reignites lawmakers' fears of violence
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Former President Trump is rushed offstage by Secret Service at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, 2024. Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images.
The attempted assassination of former President Trump has heightened concerns in Congress about member security, with some lawmakers even cancelling events and closing their offices in response.
Why it matters: The shooting at a rally in Pennsylvania, in which Trump was struck in his right ear, comes against the backdrop of a steady rise in threats against members of Congress.
- House Republicans are set to receive a security briefing from the House-sergeant-at-arms Sunday afternoon, according to a GOP lawmaker and another source familiar with the matter.
- House Democrats will receive their own briefing on Monday afternoon, according to an invite obtained by Axios.
- Senior Democratic congressional staff will also receive a security briefing Sunday, according to a Democratic lawmaker and aide.
What happened: Trump was shot in the ear during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday and was rushed off stage by his Secret Service detail before being treated at a local hospital.
- The shooter and one rally attendee were killed, while two spectators were left critically injured, according to the Secret Service.
What we're hearing: Several members of Congress told Axios they plan to cancel events and close or restrict their campaign and congressional offices in response to the shooting.
- One House Democrat said their office will be "appointment only" for the next few days.
- Another said they are "kind of reluctant" to go to a large public event they were scheduled to attend on Sunday, and that their "family is very worried" about potential violence.
- Asked if they plan to go to the security briefing, the lawmaker said, "Hell yes."
- One House Republican said their staff is taking "precautions" at events, while another said they are "reeling" from the shooting and "discussing with our security advisors on how to proceed."
Zoom out: Lawmakers have been dealing with a heightened threat environment for years, with the Jan. 6 attack in particular amplifying concerns about direct violence against political figures.
- Rep. John Duarte (R-Calif.), asked about lawmakers' security concerns, shared with Axios a bomb threat he received via email last Thursday.
- The threat targeted Duarte for his vote against a Republican measure to fine Attorney General Merrick Garland for refusing to turn over audio of President Biden's special counsel interview.
- Said another House Republican: "I receive threats and threatening messages almost daily."
What they're saying: "Like you, I am deeply concerned with this latest instance of violence at a political event and the barrage of threats to elected officials in both parties across the country," House Administration Committee Ranking Member Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) said in a message to House Democrats on Saturday night.
- The House sergeant-at-arms also sent members a message after the shooting urging them to utilize available security resources.
The bottom line: One senior House Democrat, asked to sum up the mood of lawmakers, told Axios, "Upset, anger, concern."
- One House Republican said lawmakers "don't think we are targets," but "we are all uneasy."
