Capitol Police brief ‘Squad’ and other teams on security increase following Hamas concerns
October 12, 2023 11:21 PM
The United States Capitol Police has held “multiple briefings” with groups of lawmakers regarding security amid the war between Israel and Hamas.
Among those briefed were prominent progressive lawmakers, including members of the “Squad,” per Politico. The lawmakers include Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Summer Lee (D-PA), and Barbara Lee (D-CA) — several of whom have been criticized for their response to the Hamas attacks on Israel and comments on Israeli leadership earlier in the year.
While most Democrats have expressed solidarity with Israel, lawmakers such as Tlaib have expressed a desire for peace on both sides and an end to the Israeli “occupation.” Both Democrats and Republicans have slammed comments such as Tlaib’s over the last few days.
The Capitol Police is enhancing security throughout the Capitol on Friday after the leaders of Hamas, a terrorist group that attacked Israel, called for a global day of protests.
“There were multiple briefings today with different stakeholders. All briefings were to explain our plan for the next few days,” a Capitol Police spokesperson said in a statement to the Washington Examiner.
The police told the Washington Examiner that, while there are no specific threats to Congress, “We are not taking any chances.”
“We are enhancing security throughout the Capitol Complex. Some of what we are doing will be visible, but for safety reasons, we cannot provide the public details about all of the resources that we are putting into protecting the Congress,” the spokesperson said. “Our dedicated teams are working around the clock to coordinate with our law enforcement and intelligence partners across the country to keep everyone safe.”
Congressional Progressive Caucus Chairwoman Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) told her colleagues at the group’s closed-door weekly meeting on Thursday that they need to support their colleagues who are under attack, two people familiar with her remarks reportedly said.
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Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY) said in a brief interview with Politico that he was “very concerned” about lawmakers’ safety amid the heated rhetoric over the conflict in the Middle East and had spent much of Thursday talking with the Hill’s security officials about lawmaker security.
“I think we’re taking all necessary steps and the Capitol Police and Sergeant at Arms, I think are doing a great job,” Morelle said. “I think we have it in hand, but it bears constant vigilance.”