Congress Plans Security Briefings After Minnesota Lawmaker Shootings

Congressional leaders are ramping up security measures and organizing urgent briefings after the politically motivated murders of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the critical wounding of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife. The suspect, Vance Boelter, was apprehended after a manhunt and found to have a hit list targeting numerous Democratic officials. Both the Senate and House will receive security briefings this week, with leadership from both parties stressing the need for heightened protection and additional resources for lawmakers. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, along with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have requested immediate action from the Sergeant at Arms and U.S. Capitol Police. The attacks are seen as part of a disturbing rise in political violence, prompting calls to reassess not only congressional security but the broader protection of public officials. Authorities and experts warn that such threats have increased alarmingly in recent years, underscoring the urgency of robust security protocols.