View of a wreath laid by mourners outside the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria on Sept. 11, 2025, following the fatal shooting of U.S. youth activist and influencer Charlie Kirk while speaking during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. (PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP via Getty Images)
The two assassination attempts against President Donald Trump in 2024, the fatal shooting of a Minnesota state lawmaker and critical injury of her colleague, a firebombing at the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion, and now what the governor of Utah labeled a politically motivated assassination of the Turning Point USA founder, have all inspired new conversations about how to keep elected officials safe in an increased threat environment.
Both Fine and Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., told Fox News Digital they would be speaking with the Capitol sergeant-at-arms about getting increased security.
"I am concerned about my safety. I’m concerned about the safety of my family. I’m concerned about the safety of my employees, so we are immediately reevaluating…to make sure we have thought about every possible scenario," Mace said.
Mace said she and many of her colleagues would likely now "pause outdoor events" for the time being.
"They almost killed Donald Trump, they killed Charlie Kirk, both outdoors," she said.
Fine said, "I will probably, you know, stay in the bubble more in Washington than I might otherwise."
Others, like Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., suggested lawmakers and other political figures should be allowed more lax firearm permissions, despite Washington, D.C.’s strict gun laws.
House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks to the media at the U.S. Capitol on May 22, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
A third House Republican told Fox News Digital they were "devastated" by Kirk’s killing and said they had been gradually increasing their own security since the assassination attempts on Trump in 2024.
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"Our office steadily increased its safety protocols after the attempted assassination of POTUS last year, and we have steadily increased those precautions throughout this year as we have observed increased emotions and heightened tensions while at public events. We were already using security for most public and outdoor events, and we will continue to do so," they said via text message.
Others told reporters Wednesday that they, too, were concerned for themselves but declined to elaborate in the immediate wake of Kirk’s death.
"We don't have enough resources to protect the people who are threatened around here. But I don't want to make it about us right now. This is just, it's awful," said Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif.
Fox News' Tyler Olson contributed to this report.
Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News.
Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/charlie-kirk-assassination-rocks-capitol-hill-heightens-lawmakers-security-fears