• The fatal shooting of Minnesota legislator Melissa Hortman and her husband has intensified bipartisan calls for increased security funding to address the growing threats against public officials, with Capitol Police requesting nearly $1 billion for the FY2026 budget. Lawmakers are also taking personal safety measures as rising violence creates a chilling effect on public service and political engagement.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Lawmakers are urging enhanced security measures following the fatal shooting of Minnesota legislator Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in an alarming escalation of violence targeting public officials. The deadly attack also left Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife injured, fueling bipartisan calls for immediate action to address rising threats against elected leaders.

The deadly incident unfolded over the weekend, when an assailant, identified by authorities as 57-year-old Vance Boelter, opened fire, killing Hortman and her husband and injuring others. The attack has reignited concerns among lawmakers, who have been grappling with a heightened climate of political hostility and threats. According to Capitol Police, over 9,400 threats were investigated in 2024 against lawmakers, their families, and staff — a sharp increase from the previous year.

Lawmakers call for urgent funding increase

In response to the attack, the Capitol Police and Senate Sergeant at Arms hosted a briefing requested by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). Senators from both parties expressed alarm at the rising dangers and pressed for a surge in security funding.

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“We need a more systematic approach to dealing with the security threats,” said Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), who attended the briefing. “The threats are clearly increasing, and we need an overall plan, better coordination, and more funding to address them.”

Schumer underscored the urgency, highlighting that the escalating rhetoric encouraging violence has worsened the threat landscape. “The violence and threats against elected officials, including senators, have dramatically increased,” Schumer said. “We need more protection. We need more money. And we need strong denouncements of all violent rhetoric from our leaders.”

Capitol Police have requested nearly $1 billion in funding for the FY2026 budget to handle the “increased threat climate,” a request that now faces renewed scrutiny on Capitol Hill.

Far-reaching implications of political threats

The fatal shooting in Minnesota is the latest in a string of violent incidents targeting public officials, drawing parallels with the 2011 shooting of former Rep. Gabby Giffords and the 2017 attack on Rep. Steve Scalise. Additionally, it comes less than a year after an assassination attempt on President Trump, which prompted intensified discussions about security measures for politicians.

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Lawmakers across the country are taking matters into their own hands, investing in personal and home security upgrades to protect themselves and their families. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) shared that he has installed bulletproof glass, shatterproof windows, security cameras, and trained guard dogs at his ranch in Oklahoma. Mullin described these upgrades as a “huge undertaking” but emphasized their necessity.

“We don’t just do this because we’re overreacting,” Mullin said. “It’s a real threat. The rise in death threats and attacks is deeply concerning, and it should concern everyone.”

Local law enforcement agencies have also become critical partners in addressing these threats. In North Dakota, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) reported requesting additional patrols from his local sheriff’s office. “The reality is, we’re living in a moment where we probably have to do more to protect ourselves,” Cramer said.

Bipartisan agreement, but funding questions remain

Despite bipartisan agreement on the need for greater security, the financial pathway forward remains uncertain. While many senators support the Capitol Police’s funding request, some worry about the political challenges of securing the funds amid broader debates over federal spending.

Thomas Manger, who recently retired as chief of the Capitol Police, previously warned senators of the department’s urgent need for resources. He cited the growing number of threats and the complexity of protecting 535 federal legislators across the country as key challenges.

“The expectation that we can adequately protect all members in all locations is daunting,” Cramer added. “But it’s not impossible, and it’s more necessary than ever.”

Lawmakers are also exploring other funding avenues, including campaign accounts, to cover security costs. According to Federal Election Commission guidelines, candidates can use campaign funds to address ongoing security threats, a practice that is becoming increasingly common.

A changing landscape for public service

As the threat climate intensifies, the implications run deeper than immediate safety concerns. The rising violence has created a chilling effect, deterring potential candidates from pursuing public office and impacting how current officials engage with their constituents.

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