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Number of threats to lawmakers climbed in 2023: Capitol Police

by Nick Robertson - 01/18/24 5:51 PM ET

FILE - Washington Metropolitan Police investigate near the Supreme Court and U.S. Capitol in Washington, Oct. 19, 2022. President Joe Biden on Thursday - the third anniversary of George Floyd's murder - vetoed an effort led by congressional Republicans to overturn a new District of Columbia law on improving police accountability. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) — FILE – Washington Metropolitan Police investigate near the Supreme Court and U.S. Capitol in Washington, Oct. 19, 2022. President Joe Biden on Thursday – the third anniversary of George Floyd’s murder – vetoed an effort led by congressional Republicans to overturn a new District of Columbia law on improving police accountability. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

U.S. Capitol Police investigated more than 8,000 threats to members of Congress in 2023, the agency announced Thursday, an increase over the year prior.

There were about 7,500 threats in 2022, but both marks fall short of 2021’s total of about 9,600 — exacerbated by the Jan. 6 Capitol riots. The number of threats is highest in major election years, Capitol Police said.

The agency constantly tracks a “wide range of threats” through the mail, via phone and over social media and the wider internet. Capitol Police said it expects a higher rate of threats with the upcoming presidential election.

“With the political conventions, member campaigns, and many issues being debated on Capitol Hill, this is going to be a very busy year for our special agents,” Assistant Chief Ashan Benedict said. “Our team is dedicated to putting all of our resources into protecting the Congress while we continue to grow in order to keep up with our expanding mission.”

Last year continued a rising trend for the number of threats against lawmakers, with 2022 marking the first decrease in threats in five years.

Capitol Police has significantly bolstered staffing and safety procedures since the Jan. 6 Capitol riots, including increasing staffing beyond pre-pandemic levels in early 2023.

The agency “has made dozens of changes to improve intelligence, planning, communication, training, staffing and equipment during the last three years,” according to a statement.

“United States Capitol Police special agents work 24/7 to investigate threats and coordinate with law enforcement agencies to prevent potential attacks against lawmakers.”

Lawmakers have been among the notable targets of a string of swatting incidents in recent months, including Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), Brandon Williams (R-N.Y.) and others.

Arrests were also made in the last year related to antisemitic threats against Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and a man who attacked Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.), among other incidents.

Tags Angie Craig Brandon Williams death threats Jacky Rosen Marjorie Taylor Greene swatting