(DailyEmailNews.com) – In a new crime threatening political stability, swatting attacks targeting U.S. Congress members have reached alarming levels, resulting in over 700 investigations.
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With over 50 lawmakers targeted in the past month, concerns over security are mounting.
U.S. Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger revealed that more than 700 threats were reported against lawmakers last month alone.
At the core of these threats are “swatting” incidents – false 911 calls designed to provoke a heavy police response.
Such actions not only place lawmakers in potential danger but also divert law enforcement resources from genuine emergencies, UPI reports.
Chief Manger has vocalized his grave concerns, highlighting the increase in workload for Capitol Police officers.
Officers are now working double shifts, often racking up to 50 hours of overtime per pay period, to maintain protection levels.
As he aptly stated, “We provide the protection at the level it needs to be. But you do that through officers working double shifts.”
To counteract these growing threats, Manger proposed boosting the Dignitary Protection team by doubling the current 250 agents to at least 500.
This expansion aims to better safeguard congressional leadership and respond promptly to any threats.
The urgency of increasing security has even led some Congress members to opt for private security measures.
An alarming incident amongst these threats included a bomb scare at Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s residence.
Such false alarms compound stress on an already overburdened force, emphasizing the urgent need for improvements in verification and response strategies.
Manger is pushing for increased funding to expand recruitment and staffing. His plan involves recruiting 25 officers across 12 classes over several years to counteract current understaffing.
Additionally, he advocates raising the mandatory retirement age from 60 to 65, aligning with the Secret Service, and retaining experienced officers.
Swift action and bipartisan cooperation are critical to addressing these security challenges effectively.
Without immediate measures, the safety of not just the lawmakers, but that of the American public, remains at risk, presenting a dangerous precedent for future malicious threats.
Capitol police on threats towards lawmakers – U.S. Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger testified Wednesday that there have been over 700 threats and at least 50 swatting calls made against lawmakers in the last month alone. https://t.co/2ToTDOa2a2
— Jude Kopa (@KopaJude) December 13, 2024
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