Officials tightening security for Congress amid rising threats
Capitol Police beef up travel protection for lawmakers amid heightened tensions
WASHINGTON — The House’s chief law enforcement officer is tightening security for traveling lawmakers as Congress reassesses safety in an era when threats against members were surging even before Donald Trump’s supporters attacked the Capitol.
Capitol Police officers will be stationed at Washington-area airports and the city’s Union Station train depot on busy travel days, the acting House sergeant at arms said in a memo obtained Friday. Timothy P. Blodgett said he’s set up an online portal so lawmakers can notify the agency about travel plans, and he urged them to coordinate trips with local police and airport officials and report suspicious activity to authorities.
Capitol Police “will not be available for personal escorts,” said the email, sent late Thursday. “However, they will be in place to monitor as members move through the airport.”
The steps underscored political divisions that grew increasingly acrid, even potentially dangerous, during Trump’s four years as president. In addition to personal verbal attacks against perceived foes, Trump stirred up supporters with relentless streams of bogus conspiracies such as his false charge that Democrats stole November’s election from him.
The animosity lawmakers face has spread among themselves, with numerous Democrats saying they are wary of GOP colleagues who’ve said they carry guns in Washington. Republicans have bristled at new screening devices installed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., that lawmakers are required to pass through when entering the House chamber, where carrying firearms is not allowed.
“The enemy is within the House of Representatives,” Pelosi told reporters this week in a chilling characterization of Congress’ internal tensions. She cited “members of Congress who want to bring guns on the floor and have threatened violence on other members of Congress.”
Congress’ 535 members travel frequently between their homes and the capital, and many have said they feel vulnerable in their districts and when they travel. Videos have shown people insulting lawmakers at airports, including Republican Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah, who has criticized Trump.
The acting chief of the Capitol Police, Yogananda Pittman, said this week that “vast improvements” are needed to protect the Capitol and adjacent office buildings, including permanent fencing.
Since Jan. 6, the Capitol has been surrounded by a tall barrier and the grounds are patrolled by National Guard troops.