According to federal law enforcement officials, the increase in threats to U.S. lawmakers over the past two years has also extended to their family members, and the lack of protection for U.S. lawmakers. federal for family members. disappointed some members of Congress.
Confidentiality details for lawmakers, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, not protecting their family members, including spouses, when members of Congress are not with them, according to multiple information resource. Some lawmakers have received additional security in their districts from local police departments and private contractors.
After the attack on Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi, GOP Representative Adam Kinzinger told CNN that threats against his own family included a threat to kill his young child. But when he asked the U.S. Capitol Police to increase security, they basically told him to “line up,” Kinzinger said.
Like other lawmakers, Kinzinger’s confidential details don’t protect his family when he’s not with them, and the lack of support from the Capitol Police means his campaign will have to be carried out. implement any additional security measures.
Calls for violence against lawmakers online and elsewhere have involved both elected officials and their families, sources familiar with the threat environment told CNN. Law enforcement is grappling with how to address those threats after the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
In the months following the January 6 uprising, Capitol Police and other law enforcement agencies worked to increase protections for members of Congress while they were in Washington, DC and returning to their counties. surname.
Capitol Police declined to comment when asked Friday about security for the lawmakers’ families.
A senior aide on Capitol Hill told CNN that Capitol Police are currently evaluating additional security options to protect the families of congressional leaders.
Federal law enforcement agencies have repeatedly warned of the growing threat of politically motivated violence after January 6, raising specific concerns about the possibility of violent calls online leads to real-world attacks.
According to the most recent statistics, Capitol Police tracked about 9,600 threats in 2021 to the people and places the department is responsible for protecting. It is unclear how many threats were made against family members.
Some lawmakers have sought additional protection from the U.S. Capitol Police after receiving threats against their families, but the agency largely lacks the resources and training to respond to these requests. that request, according to a source familiar with the matter.
