Congress' fight over security erupts after Minnesota shootings
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Capitol Police officers guard the perimeter of the U.S. Capitol as members of Congress gather to commemorate the second anniversary of the Jan. 6 riots. Photo: Nathan Howard/Getty Images
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."
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