House Sergeant at Arms William Walker plans to offer lawmakers thousands of dollars to safeguard their homes at a time when a growing number of members have received threats.
Congressional members and staff were sent a letter announcing the residential security program, an initiative that will pay for up to $10,000 worth of expenses for security equipment such as cameras, video recorders, door locks, and motion sensors at representative’s personal residences.
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“The Sergeant at Arms (SAA) will assume the cost of and oversee certain future residential security upgrades, maintenance, and monthly monitoring fees. This program will strengthen the security of Members of the House of Representatives and their families,” Walker wrote.
The program is set to begin on Aug. 15 and will also cover fixed-rate monthly monitoring and maintenance fees up to $150 a month for members.
Several high-profile members of Congress have sought out increased security in the past, with multiple members of the Jan. 6 select committee having procured security details amid an uptick in threats. But the new program will not be made available to members, including those on the panel, who are not seeking reelection or don’t win their races in November.
The funding to provide ramped-up security comes as threats against members reached an all-time high, according to data released by the U.S. Capitol Police earlier this year.
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Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) shared images last month of a death threat addressed to his home that he and his family had received. One letter to his wife threatened to kill her and their son. “Adam’s activities have not only hurt this country, but countless patriotic and God-fearing families. Therefore, although it might take time, he will be executed. But don’t worry! You and Christian will be joining Adam in hell too!” the note read.
Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) reacted to news of the letter with a tweet that said, “It’s being reported that the House Sergeant at Arms is creating a new residential security program where Members of Congress will receive $10k to secure their residences. So, can I buy more AR-15s to secure my residence with this?”
