The murders of state Rep. Melissa Hortman, D-Minn., and her husband, and the attempted murders of state Sen. John Hoffman, D-Minn., and his wife, over the weekend, left Capitol Hill profoundly shaken. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
One Democrat applauded the U.S. Capitol Police. But pointed out that it was physically impossible for the USCP to protect all Members and their families 24/7 – both in Washington and in their home states or districts.
It was also pointed out to Fox that there was zero information on the shooters who carried out two of the most violent episodes involving lawmakers in recent years. That includes the Congressional Baseball Practice shooting in 2017 and the shooting of former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) in 2011.
"We need to be pro-active on our own," said one lawmaker to Fox. "Not reactive."
Fox is told there has also been discussion about scrubbing the personal information of lawmakers from the web or approving anti-doxxing legislation.
Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) is tinkering with forcing the House into a "Secret Session" to debate the appropriate approach for congressional security. Such a resolution to move the House into a Secret Session needs a vote. It is also privileged – which means Moskowitz could force the issue. Or, the House could vote to table it. Staff inside the session must sign an oath of secrecy.
Capitol Police manpower is another hot point of debate. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Moreover, security officials and those on the GOP telephone call Saturday tell Fox there was a lot of criticism by Members about the current security posture – from those who don’t take advantage of current programs which the House and USCP designed to keep Members safe.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
"They like to complain a lot," said one Republican source of those who haven’t utilized the security options afforded them by USCP.
Chad Pergram currently serves as a senior congressional correspondent for FOX News Channel (FNC). He joined the network in September 2007 and is based out of Washington, D.C.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/users-manual-security-briefings-lawmakers-after-minnesota-shootings