‘Sobering’ security briefing after Minnesota murders could usher in billion-dollar Capitol Police budget

In the wake of the assassination of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband, concern is mounting among elected officials in Washington over how to ensure the safety of the more than 500 federal lawmakers and their families amid rising political hostility and limited security resources.

In the wake of the shootings, senators received a classified security briefing on Tuesday from Jennifer A. Hemingway, the Senate sergeant-at-arms. Afterward, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) described the session as “sobering,” telling reporters, “The threat to public officials and their families is very real and very widespread.”

Most members of Congress do not receive round-the-clock protection, with full-time Capitol Police security details reserved for a small number of top leaders. Lawmakers can request additional protection, but it’s only granted if

Continue reading