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House Democrats, dozens of whom were locked inside the chamber as crowds descended, held a security call Monday evening with the acting Capitol Police chief and the acting Sergeant-at-Arms of the House to discuss ways to further improve security measures. The call, which detailed more potential threats, sounded alarm bells within the caucus again, according to people listening.
Green (D-Texas) said one of the passengers suspected of being a Trump supporter on his flight southwest from DC to Nashville immediately recognized and identified him in the cabin, calling him “Mr. Impeachment. ”(Green has long supported the impeachment and impeachment of Trump.)
He said during the remainder of the flight he could hear whispers from some of the other pro-Trump travelers – at one point they called him a “traitor” – and feared they were planning a showdown for his. arrival in Nashville. At the departure gate, a southwest employee helped stave off this confrontation until a police officer arrived to help him board his connecting flight.
Upon his arrival in Houston, Green said other travelers appeared ready to confront him and became “rowdy” before police – who had been called to the door by his staff – helped guide him to the door. security.
“They were very angry people,” Green said. “I am an isolated son of the South. I remember expressions of hatred when people said ugly things, calling me ugly words that I don’t repeat. I remember the look. And I seen it on the faces of some of these people. I saw that also here on the Capitol when these people were walking. If you’ve ever been approached by someone who has hate in their heart and wants to hurt, you will never forget this look.
“I tried to appear as calm as possible because I didn’t want it to escalate into something more,” Green said.
Green said he had proposed measures that would include additional penalties for people who pose security concerns at airports and on flights, and he is pushing for lawmakers to have additional funds to support their personal safety.
A GOP lawmaker who threw Trump on the floor last week, Representative Peter Meijer of Michigan, even suggested that fears for their personal safety had influenced some of his colleagues to support Trump’s challenges in the face of the results of the election.
“They knew deep in their hearts that they should have voted for certification, but some had legitimate concerns about the safety of their families. They felt that this vote would put their families at risk, ”Meijer said recently, highlighting death threats some Republicans received after lining up behind the Electoral College results.
There is particular fear among Republicans in Trump’s heavy districts who have voted against the GOP’s doomed attempt to overturn the election results. Many returned home last week to find voters – preachers, school superintendents, religious men and women – applauding the effort rather than condemning it, according to several GOP lawmakers.
“Both parties have extremists,” the GOP lawmaker said. “There is a difference between our crazy people and their crazy people. Our madmen have an excessive quantity of weapons. They have gun safes. They have grenades. They believe in the Second Amendment. They came here and Trump made them think it was the Alamo.
Several lawmakers said there were heightened fears as the House returned on Tuesday for one of the most high-profile votes of their careers – to impeach Trump for the second time.
To address members ‘lingering security concerns over returning to Capitol Hill, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy gave Republicans his blessing to use the Democrats’ proxy voting system that allows members to vote without being physically present. The GOP is challenging the proxy system in court, so McCarthy has encouraged all Republicans who wish to use the voting mechanism to opt out of the trial if they are co-sponsors.
Growing concern from lawmakers: The leadership of the Capitol’s security offices is in upheaval, facing a complete overhaul, as federal and municipal agencies still clash over who is responsible for Wednesday’s failure to protect the Capitol.
“We have to start rebuilding trust with the United States Capitol Police because of what has happened. So many members of Congress and society at large here feel very betrayed – abandoned – by what happened, ”Representative Tim Ryan (D-Ohio), who oversees the funding of operations, told reporters on Monday. of the Capitol, including the police.
“I personally received assurances the day before, just like [House Administration Committee Chair Zoe] Lofgren – to be well prepared, no problem, we have enough backup and everything, ”said Ryan.
Confidence can be difficult to regain. Following the attacks, two Capitol Hill police officers were suspended – including one who took a selfie with a rioter and another who wore a “Make America Great Again” hat while “leading” members of the crowd. Ryan said.
Security concerns also raise general questions for a Capitol building which receives millions of visitors each year, but which will be barricaded by a reinforced fence in the near future. Tours were already closed due to coronavirus threats. But it’s unclear how the general public will be able to walk through some of the same hallways as the members.
“I’ve never been in danger at all. Everyone has my cell phone, and in Northern Virginia, a lot, a lot of people know where I live. I never really thought it would be a danger. , ”Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) said in an interview.
“If we look at the road, four weeks, six months, two years, what are we doing to protect members of Congress, staff and police from this insurgency?”
Caitlin Emma and Heather Caygle contributed.
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