WASHINGTON (AP) – Lawmakers face threats of violence from an “enemy” within Congress, and more money is needed to protect them, said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a surprising recognition of the escalation of internal security tensions since the attack on this month’s Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump.
The California Democrat’s comments on Thursday came when the acting Capitol Police chief said separately that “major improvements” are needed to protect the Capitol and adjacent commercial buildings, including permanent fences. These barricades have surrounded the complex since the January 6 deadly uproar. but many lawmakers have long resisted giving the nation’s symbol of democracy the appearance of a besieged complex, and the leaders have not committed themselves to the idea.
Pelosi focused his comments on the party anxiety and friction that has persisted in Congress since Trump’s supporters attacked the Capitol, which resulted in five deaths. She told reporters that she thinks Congress will need to provide money “for the sake of security for members, when the enemy is inside the House of Representatives, a threat that concerns members”.
Asked to clarify what she meant, Pelosi said: “This means that we have members of Congress who want to bring weapons to the ground and have threatened violence against other members of Congress.”
She did not suggest how much money would be needed.
Some lawmakers who voted to impeach Trump in the House this month reported receiving threats, and initial actions to improve security procedures took on clear party tones. Some Republicans vehemently opposed having to go through newly installed metal detectors before entering the Chamber of Deputies, while Pelosi proposed to fine lawmakers who circumvent the devices.
Pelosi did not say who he was referring to when referring to an “enemy” within the Chamber, and a spokesman did not provide examples when asked.
First-term MP Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., Who expressed support for QAnon’s baseless conspiracy theories, liked Facebook posts that advocated violence against Democrats and the FBI. One post suggested shooting Pelosi in the head.
Asked to comment, Greene sent a written statement accusing Democrats and journalists of attacking it because it is “a threat to the goal of socialism” and supports Trump and conservative values.
Earlier this month, the HuffPost website reported that Congressman Andy Harris, R-Md., Triggered a newly installed metal detector when trying to enter the Chamber chamber and was found carrying a hidden weapon. Other Republicans also spoke about carrying firearms, which lawmakers are allowed to do, although not on the premises of the House or Senate.
Since the attack, Capitol grounds have been surrounded by barriers and patrolled by National Guard troops. Yogananda D. Pittman, acting chief of the Capitol Police, said in a statement that, based on the security assessments of his agency and others, some changes are likely to be lasting.
“In light of recent events, I can say unequivocally that major improvements in physical security infrastructure must be made to include permanent fences and the availability of ready support forces near the Capitol,” said Pittman, whose agency provides security for Congress.
Pelosi did not take an immediate stance on Pittman’s proposal for a permanent fence. Drew Hammill, the spokesman’s spokesman, said he would wait for a Capitol security review led by retired Lieutenant General Russel Honoré “to understand what infrastructure changes are needed”.
Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer, DN.Y., took the same approach, telling reporters that he would “submit the experts”.
Others criticized the suggestion of permanent fencing. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, RN.Y., said she was “vehemently opposed” and had not heard any justification for her need. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., A former Marine, said it would be wrong to turn the Capitol into a “fortress”.
Pelosi met with Honoré, but revealed little about what he learned. His review is expected to be completed no earlier than March 5, she said.
Pelosi said he was examining ways to protect lawmakers “in terms of his service here, his service home, his transportation between them”. Lawmakers have already been informed that they can touch the accounts they use for office expenses for some security measures, and Pelosi mentioned the possibility of air agents, but did not provide details.
Prosecutors accused more than 200 people for their roles in the riot, and others were arrested after posting threats against members of Congress.
The public is prohibited from carrying firearms on the Capitol grounds. Members of Congress can keep the weapons in their offices or transport them on campus if they are unloaded and packed safely.
On Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security issued a national terrorism bulletin warning of the possibility of further violence by people motivated by anti-government sentiments after the election of President Joe Biden. The department did not cite any specific storylines.
A Senate trial to punish Trump is scheduled to begin next month after his impeachment in the House on charges of inciting the Capitol insurrection.
Trump made incendiary comments to a crowd of supporters that day, urging them to march to the building. Lawmakers at the time formally certified Biden’s electoral victory, which Trump has repeatedly and falsely attributed to the fraud.
Originally published