(FreePressBeacon.com) – In an alarming rise of “swatting” attacks on U.S. lawmakers, the Capitol Police have been scrambling to address these deceptive 911 calls, as over 50 members of Congress were targeted last month alone.
See the tweet below!
The situation makes it clear that decisive action is needed to protect our nation’s leaders.
The next steps could very well define the safety and security of our legislative process.
U.S. Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger testified on Wednesday about the alarming threat facing members of Congress, highlighting that these attacks aren’t just a nuisance—they’re a matter of national security.
In the past month alone, an astounding 700 threats were reported, including 50 instances of swatting, where false 911 calls sent police rushing to lawmakers’ homes.
“Things have changed here on the campus,” Manger noted, underlining the growing unrest gripping Capitol Hill.
With resources already stretched to the breaking point, this surge in threats means the already understaffed Capitol Police force finds itself struggling to keep up.
Officers are averaging 50 hours of overtime per pay period just to maintain current protection levels, UPI reports.
To counter this wave of threats, Manger has proposed increasing the force’s size, including doubling the current number of 250 Dignitary Protection agents to a robust 500.
He also requested more funding for proper staffing, advocating for 12 recruiting classes of 25 officers over the next few years to tackle the personnel shortage.
Amid these dire statistics, Manger suggested extending the mandatory retirement age for Capitol Police officers from 60 to 65, aligning with the Secret Service’s policy.
Such measures aim to retain experienced officers who are crucial in navigating these tumultuous times and addressing the growing list of public safety threats.
The intense burden of maintaining security has led some Congressional members to seek personal, private security amid the rising tide of threats.
This recourse underscores the inadequacy of current staffing levels, with the Capitol Police managing to respond to threats yet using only 20 agents overall — far from sufficient in today’s climate.
NEWS: Thomas Manger, the Capitol Police Chief addressed increased threats on members of congress & the “Swatting”Crisis.
"Who knew we would have 50 people swatted in the past month.”
In a Senate hearing, Chief Manger detailed the swatting epidemic plaguing Congress members,… pic.twitter.com/Eot6wi13AX
— Walter Curt (@WCdispatch_) December 12, 2024
The lack of resources even extends to high-profile incidents involving prominent figures such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who received a bomb threat, and Rep. Nancy Mace, who suffered an assault.
These events illustrate the broader consequences at stake as institutional protections falter under pressure.
Chief Manger, appointed after the January 6 events, acknowledged the strides made in Capitol security but emphasized that further support is urgently needed.
His calls for increased funding and staffing remind us of the stakes involved — safeguarding the very fabric of American democracy.
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