Security measures to protect members of Congress have been heightened in the wake of yesterday's shooting that wounded GOP House Whip, Steve Scalise. The congressman, who remains in critical condition, had protection that isn’t typically afforded to Capitol Hill’s rank and file.
Members of Congress have 24-hour protection while in the Capitol Building. When they go home to their districts, however, they're responsible for their own protection. Members of the House and Senate leadership are protected by U.S. Capitol Police, but ordinary members do not, unless there's a reason for concern.
Multiple members of Congress reported an uptick in threats coming into their offices both before and after yesterday's shooting in Virginia. The shooting at the Republican congressional baseball team's practice yesterday has reignited a debate on Capitol Hill about increasing security. Apparently, Republicans have expressed concerns about safety at town hall events for months.
The shooting drew heartfelt comments from both Republicans and Democrats, who were united in their in shock. “For all the noise and all the fury, we are one family,” Speaker Paul D. Ryan said while addressing his colleagues in the House chamber. “We do not shed our humanity when we enter this chamber.” House Minority Leader, Nancy Pelosi, echoed the sentiments, calling the shootings "a despicable and cowardly attack." Of course, this call for kumbaya will evaporate before you can say Jack Robinson.
You've got a presentation of Shakespeare in the Park where a Donald Trump look alike character is stabbed to death being sponsored by the New York Times...People defending alleged comedian Kathy Griffin putting video of herself holding a decapitated head of President Trump on social media. There are plenty of people out there with what Kurt Vonnegut described as "bad wiring" in their noggins like this Alexandria shooter who think you settle differences with a knife or a gun. Why light a fire beneath them?