Congress' fight over security erupts after Minnesota shootings

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: Axios

6 hours ago


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.

Read more: https://www.axios.com/2025/06/15/hortman-hoffman-congress-security-minnesota

[travelingthrulife]

1. Screw your security when you do nothing to ensure ours.

[Attilatheblond]

2. Hey Congress, we'll talk about this AFTER fed employees at VA and all VA health care facilities have jobs restored

and long time staffing shortages are addressed.

[Autumn]

3. Maybe after you protect the American people. Till then, fuck off

and pay for your own security. You make enough money to pay your own bills.

[Deuxcents]

4. We'll talk about it later.."it's too soon"

I’m NOT making light of these events in Minnesota. Congress and all elected leaders have had years and multiple occasions to take security seriously and they have not..even for little pre school children or people praying in their houses of worship. It’s only urgent now because it’s hitting them while it still is a threat to the rest of us. 🤬

[stillcool]

5. Congress wants to be armed themselves

it's all part and parcel of the GOP playbook. There are no GOP members interested at all in security. It' only Democrats which I guess is why people here are so annoyed they have the audacity to be fearful. So many want to kill them, or at least tar and feather. And that's just here.

[groundloop]

6. We're in 'good' company with the other countries where political assinations are commonplace.

Damn, talk about a shit hole country. We've been forced to put the profits of weapon manufacturers over the safety of school children.

[stillcool]

7. yep. The feel good from yesterday

is already receding. Back to 'WTF is going on now?'