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WASHINGTON (AP) – Lawmakers face threats of violence from an ‘enemy’ in Congress, and more money is needed to protect them, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said on Thursday , a surprising acknowledgment of the escalation of internal security tensions since the attack on Capitol Hill by supporters this month. of former President Donald Trump.
The California Democrat’s remarks come as the interim Capitol Police chief has separately said “vast improvements” are needed to protect the Capitol and adjacent office buildings, including permanent fences. Such barricades have surrounded the compound since the deadly January 6 riot, but many lawmakers have long resisted giving the nation’s symbol of democracy the appearance of a besieged compound, and leaders have shown indifference to the idea.
Pelosi focused his comments on the anxiety and partisan friction that has persisted in Congress since Trump’s supporters assault on Capitol Hill, which left five people dead. She told reporters that she believes Congress will need to provide money “for more security for members, when the enemy is in the House of Representatives, a threat that members are concerned about.”
When asked to clarify what she meant, Pelosi said, “It means we have members of Congress who want to bring guns to the ground and have threatened to rape other members of Congress.”
She didn’t suggest how much money might be needed.
Some lawmakers who voted for Trump’s impeachment in the House this month have reported receiving threats, and the first steps to improve security procedures have taken on clearly partisan overtones. Some Republicans have strongly objected to having to go through newly installed metal detectors before entering the House chamber, while Pelosi has offered to impose fines on lawmakers who bypass the devices.
Pelosi did not say who she was speaking to by her reference to an “enemy” in the House, and a spokesperson gave no example when asked.
First Term Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who has expressed support for QAnon’s baseless conspiracy theories, liked Facebook posts that advocated violence against Democrats and the FBI. A message suggested shooting Pelosi in the head.
Asked for comment, Greene sent a written statement accusing Democrats and journalists of attacking her because she is “a threat to their goal of socialism” and supports Trump and conservative values.
Earlier this month, the HuffPost website reported that Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., Triggered a newly installed metal detector while trying to enter the chamber of the House and that he was wearing a concealed weapon. Other Republicans have also spoken about carrying firearms, which lawmakers are allowed to do, but not on House or Senate floors.
Since the attack, the Capitol grounds have been surrounded by barriers and patrolled by National Guard troops. Yogananda D. Pittman, acting chief of the Capitol Police, said in a statement that, based on security assessments from his agency and others, some changes are expected to be lasting.
“In light of recent events, I can unequivocally state that vast improvements in physical security infrastructure need to be made to include permanent fencing, and the availability of ready relief forces near the Capitol,” said Pittman , whose agency ensures the security of Congress.
Pelosi took no immediate position on Pittman’s proposal for a permanent fence. Drew Hammill, the spokesperson for the speaker, said she would wait for a security review on Capitol Hill led by retired Lieutenant General Russel Honoré “to understand what infrastructure changes are needed”.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, DN.Y., took the same approach, telling reporters he would “defer to the experts.”
Others criticized the suggestion of permanent closure. Representative Elise Stefanik, RN.Y., said she was “categorically opposed” and had heard no justification for its necessity. First-term Rep Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., Former Marine, said it would be wrong to turn the Capitol into a “fortress.”
Pelosi met Honore but revealed little about what she had learned. Her review is expected to be completed by March 5 at the earliest, she said.
Pelosi said he was looking at ways to protect lawmakers “in terms of service here, service at home, transportation in between.” Lawmakers have already been told they can tap the accounts they use for office expenses for certain security steps, and Pelosi mentioned the possibility of air commissioners but didn’t provide any details.
Prosecutors have charged more than 200 people for their role in the riot, and others were arrested after issuing threats against members of Congress.
The public is prohibited from carrying firearms on the Capitol grounds. Members of Congress can keep the guns in their offices or transport them around campus if they are unloaded and properly packed.
The Department of Homeland Security released a national terrorism bulletin on Wednesday warning of the possibility of more violence from those motivated by anti-government sentiment following the election of President Joe Biden. The ministry did not mention specific plots.
A Senate trial over whether to punish Trump is set to begin next month, following his House’s impeachment for inciting insurgency on Capitol Hill.
Trump made inflammatory remarks to a crowd of supporters that day, urging them to walk towards the building. Lawmakers at the time officially certified Biden’s electoral victory, which Trump repeatedly and wrongly attributed to fraud.
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