WASHINGTON (AP) – Lawmakers face threats of violence from an ‘enemy’ within Congress, and more money is needed to protect them, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement acknowledging the growing internal tensions over security since the attack on the Capitol this month by supporters of former President Donald Trump.
The California Democrat’s remarks Thursday came when the acting chief of Capitol police separately said that “major improvements” are needed to protect the Capitol and adjacent office buildings, including permanent fencing. Such barricades have surrounded the complex since the deadly January 6 riot. but many legislators have long resisted giving the country’s symbol of democracy the appearance of a beleagured assembly, and leaders were not committed to it.
Pelosi focused her comments on the anxiety and partisan frictions that have persisted in Congress since Trump supporters’ assault on the Capitol, which led to five deaths. She told reporters she thought Congress would have to provide money “for more security for members, when the enemy is inside the House of Representatives, a threat that members are concerned about.”
Asked to explain what she meant, Pelosi said: “This means we have members of Congress who want to bring guns to the floor and have threatened violence against other members of Congress.”
She did not suggest how much money was needed.
Some lawmakers who voted for Trump’s monthly indictment reported receiving threats, and initial efforts to improve security procedures received clear biased undertones. Some Republicans loudly objected to having to go through newly installed metal detectors before entering the House, while Pelosi suggested that lawmakers circumventing the devices be fined.
Pelosi did not say who she meant by her reference to an ‘enemy’ in the House, and a spokesperson gave no examples.
First Term Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., Who has voiced support for unfounded QAnon conspiracy theories, likes Facebook posts they advocate for violence against Democrats and the FBI. One report suggested that Pelosi be shot in the head.
Asked to comment, Greene sent a written statement accusing Democrats and journalists of attacking her for being a “threat to their cause of socialism” and supporting Trump and conservative values.
Earlier this month, the HuffPost website reported that Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., Started a newly installed metal detector while trying to enter the living room and was found carrying a concealed gun. Other Republicans also talked about carrying firearms, which lawmakers may do, but not on the floors of the House or Senate.
Since the attack, the Capitol site has been surrounded by barrier fences and patrolled by National Guard troops. Yogananda D. Pittman, acting chief of the Capitol Police, said in a statement that based on security assessments by her agency and others, some changes should be permanent.
“In light of recent events, I can unequivocally say that major improvements need to be made to the physical security infrastructure to include permanent fencing, and the availability of preparedness support forces in the vicinity of the Capitol,” said Pittman, whose agency said, said. provides security for Congress.
Pelosi takes no immediate position on Pittman’s proposal for permanent fencing. Spokesman Drew Hammill said he would wait for a Capitol security review led by retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré “to understand what infrastructure changes are needed.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, DN.Y., followed the same approach, telling reporters he would refer “to the experts”.
Others pawned the permanent fence proposal. Rep.Elise Stefanik, RN.Y., said she was ‘undeniably opposed’ and heard no justification for its need. First Term Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., A former Marine, said it would be wrong to turn the Capitol into a “fortress”.
Pelosi met Honoré, but told little of what she had learned. His investigation is not expected to be completed by March 5, she said.
Pelosi said he was exploring ways to protect lawmakers “in terms of their service here, their service house, their transportation in between.” Lawmakers have already been told they can use bills they use for office expenses for some security steps, and Pelosi mentioned the possibility of air guards but did not provide any details.
Prosecutors have charged more than 200 people for their role in the riots, and others have been arrested after posting threats against members of Congress.
The public is prohibited from carrying firearms on Capitol grounds. Members of Congress can keep weapons in their offices or transport them on campus if they are dropped off and safely wrapped.
The Department of Homeland Security released a national terrorism bulletin on Wednesday warning of the possibility of more violence motivated by the government against sentiment following the election of President Joe Biden. The department did not cite any specific plots.
A Senate hearing on whether to punish Trump begins next month after his indictment of the House on a charge of inciting the uprising at the Capitol.
Trump made burning remarks to a crowd of supporters that day, urging them to march to the building. Lawmakers at the time formally confirmed Biden’s victory in the election, which Trump repeatedly and falsely attributed to fraud.
Originally published