+

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

Business Insider India has updated its Privacy and Cookie policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the better experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we\'ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Insider India website. However, you can change your cookie setting at any time by clicking on our Cookie Policy at any time. You can also see our Privacy Policy.

Close
HomeQuizzoneWhatsappShare Flash Reads
 

Threats against congressional lawmakers have already exceeded the number for all of last year

Jul 1, 2017, 00:24 IST

Investigators gather near the scene of an opened fire June 14, 2017 in Alexandria, Virginia. Multiple injuries were reported from the instance.Alex Wong/Getty Images

Lawmakers have already received more threats this year than they did during all of last year, acccording to a letter written by Paul D. Irving, sergeant at arms at the House of Representatives.

Advertisement

In a letter to the Federal Election Commission, Irving said that House of Representatives members have received at least 950 threatening messages this year - already surpassing the 902 threats made during all of 2016.

The Sergeant at Arms is the chief law enforcement officer of the House of Representatives.

"The increased use of social media has created a new avenue for individuals with ill intent to publish threatening messages directed toward Members of the House of Representatives," Irving wrote.

He then asked the FEC to clarify whether all Members may use funds from their campaigns to install residential security systems. Currently, only those who have received direct threats are mentioned in advisory letters on the matter from the commission.

Advertisement

Earlier this month, when an armed shooter shot Republican House Majority Whip Steve Scalise during a congressional baseball practice, both Republicans and Democrats received threatening messages, with one message reading "1 down, 216 to go."

Irving went on to argue that, given the current political climate, members of Congress need extra protection in the form of security systems at home.

"The anonymous nature of these postings makes it particularly challenging for the United States Capitol Police (USCP), and it is imperative that we do everything possible to protect our elected representatives," he wrote.

NOW WATCH: Listen to the leaked audio of Australia's prime minister mocking Trump

Please enable Javascript to watch this video
Next Article