Rising Calls for Better Security for US Lawmakers After Charlie Kirk Shooting
The shocking shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has lawmakers in Washington buzzing about beefing up security. With a key government funding deadline just weeks away on September 30, politicians from both parties are pushing to include more protection money in the mix. Fears of political violence are spiking, making this a hot topic as everyone scrambles to avoid a shutdown.
Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, shared his thoughts with reporters on Thursday. "We’re in a careful review right now to figure out the right steps and how much money we need," he said. "We have to protect people who step up for public office, or no one will. It’s weighing heavy on all of us."
Lawmakers agree that safety comes first, especially after recent attacks on political figures. But with less than three weeks until the funding deadline, they’re debating how to fit this into the bigger spending talks for fiscal year 2026.
Democrat Ro Khanna from California was straightforward when asked if security funding should be part of the debate: "I do." His colleague Bennie Thompson from Mississippi added, "I don’t know exactly what the House leadership will do, but we should take every precaution possible for members."
Not everyone thinks more cash will solve everything, though. Republican James Comer from Kentucky pointed out the shooter was about 200 yards away—too far for regular guards to spot. "He could’ve had 30 security guards, and no one would’ve seen a guy on a roof. That’s Secret Service level, with drones and all," Comer said. "You can’t throw enough money at security like that."
The House is already working on funding bills, including one for the legislative branch—the smallest of the 12 annual packages. They’re prioritizing less controversial ones to make headway before the deadline. Recent worries about member safety could spotlight this bill even more.
Jesus "Chuy" Garcia, a Democrat from Illinois, strongly backs the push. "Without a doubt, and I think there’s agreement across the aisle," he said. "On timing, it could—and it should—be included." Republican Lisa McClain from Michigan echoed that: "I hope so. I really do." She highlighted the scary numbers: 9,000 threats against members last year, and already 14,000 this year.
House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole, a Republican from Oklahoma, says it’s early to say how safety fears will shake up the negotiations. "We’re aiming for agreement on a continuing resolution and maybe attaching some bills," he told reporters. "If we pull that off, it’d be a positive step for the country after all this tragedy."
Republicans might soon drop a stopgap funding bill, called a continuing resolution, to keep the government running past October 1. This would buy time for full fiscal 2026 talks. Cole hopes for action on the House floor next week. When asked about adding security funds to it, he deferred to leaders: "Things have changed dramatically since yesterday’s shooting. It’ll be up to the leadership teams, and we’ll do what they need."
Johnson stressed they’re digging deep into current security options and possible upgrades, but costs are a big hurdle. "Estimates show that full security details for all 435 House members would cost billions and require hiring 5,000 more federal police," he explained. "That’s not realistic. But we’re exploring every angle."
He pointed to a new pilot program from last month that boosts the members’ Residential Security Program. It covers monitoring, maintenance, and even personal security hires for events or district work—running through late September. A Republican staffer noted that after the Wednesday shooting, they sent updates to members’ teams. Surprisingly, few used it during August’s district period.
As political violence threats grow, this debate on US lawmakers’ security funding is gaining steam. With the September 30 deadline looming, could it lead to real changes in government spending? Stay tuned as talks heat up.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
