Utah Lawmakers Review Personal Security After Minnesota Shootings
SALT LAKE CITY — Following the tragic assassination of Minnesota’s former House Speaker and the shooting of another lawmaker, Utah’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) officials convened with state lawmakers to address growing concerns regarding personal security on Capitol Hill.
Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, expressed that these incidents have heightened security concerns among elected officials, many of whom have personally met the affected Minnesota representatives. Senate Majority Whip Chris Wilson, R-Logan, highlighted, "As an elected official, I know it’s a concern for me and my fellow elected officials."
The closed-door security briefings aimed to equip lawmakers with strategies to protect themselves from escalating threats, which range from angry constituent communications to physical danger. DPS Commissioner Jess Anderson emphasized the importance of communication, urging officials to report anything unsettling, as the agency has investigated approximately 55 threats to elected officials annually since 2021.
A growing trend of threats has emerged, with the FBI forwarding 161 death threats to Utah authorities between mid-2019 and now. "It has continually grown over time," Anderson noted, also identifying social media as a new battleground for threats, where rhetoric can escalate into actionable danger.
Lawmakers such as House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, shared their experiences with security measures, indicating the presence of officers patrolling their homes when threats arise. Calls for reducing heated political rhetoric were voiced by House Majority Whip Candice Pierucci and Sen. Escamilla, who urged a return to civility in political discourse.
Despite the tumult, lawmakers remain focused on their responsibilities, with Speaker Schultz stating, "We’re focused on Utah," in response to divisive online commentary surrounding recent events.
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