Rising Political Violence in the US... House to Provide Lawmakers with $30,000 Monthly for Security

Enhanced Home Security Measures and Emergency Reporting App Provided

Following the assassination of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk, threats of violence and assassination against American politicians have increased, prompting the US House of Representatives to strengthen its security measures.

On the 25th (local time), the US online media outlet Axios reported that William McFarland, Chief of the House Sergeant at Arms, announced in an email the previous day that members of the House of Representatives could receive up to $20,000 (approximately 29.18 million won) per month to enhance security at their homes, district offices, and while traveling.

US Congress building. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

This is double the amount that had been provided on a trial basis to lawmakers since the Kirk assassination in September. Starting from the first of next month, the measure will become permanent.

Additionally, lawmakers can receive up to $20,000 to cover the installation of home security systems, such as fences, entry doors, bulletproof or forced-entry resistant windows. An additional $350 per month is available to cover security system monitoring and maintenance costs.

In the email, Chief McFarland also stated that a mobile app enabling lawmakers and one immediate family member to discreetly report emergencies to law enforcement agencies will be provided.

Recently, as political polarization in American society has intensified, threats of violence and assassination against politicians and their families have been on the rise.

During last year’s presidential election, President Donald Trump survived two assassination attempts, and this year’s Kirk assassination caused a major stir. In April, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s home was targeted in an arson attack, and in June, two Democratic state legislators and their spouses in Minnesota were shot, resulting in deaths and injuries.

Axios pointed out that the risk of violence surged after President Trump recently described Democratic lawmakers urging soldiers to refuse illegal orders as committing “acts of insurrection punishable by death.”

Some lawmakers have reported receiving death threats. Marjorie Taylor Greene (Republican, Georgia), who was once an ally of President Trump but has since distanced herself, mentioned in a TV interview that Trump had called her a “traitor,” expressing concern that “this could radicalize people against me and put my life in danger.” Jared Golden (Democrat, Maine), a member of the House of Representatives, recently announced he would not run in next year’s midterm elections, citing frequent threats against himself and his family.

Axios stated, “Threats against members of Congress have been increasing for years, worsening the sentiment that serving in Congress is not worth the risks and difficulties involved.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.