The United States Capitol Police investigated more than 8,000 threats against members of Congress in 2023, an increase of 500 cases from the previous year.
The agency released data on the threat assessments on Thursday, stating that it investigated 8,008 cases. In 2022, the Capitol Police investigated 7,501 cases. The investigations looked into “concerning statements and direct threats,” the agency said in a release.
Congressional Democrats and Republicans “receive a wide range of threats and concerning statements that are sent through the mail, email, telephone, and social media/the internet,” the Capitol Police said.
The number of investigations in 2023 is still lower than the number recorded in 2021 at 9,625 cases.
“With the political conventions, Member campaigns, and many issues being debated on Capitol Hill, this is going to be a very busy year for our special agents,” USCP Assistant Chief of Protective and Intelligence Operations Ashan Benedict said. “Our team is dedicated to putting all of our resources into protecting the Congress while we continue to grow in order to keep up with our expanding mission.”
Capitol Police said people continue to have a “false sense of anonymity” on social media, which has led to an increase in investigations. Election years tend to see a surge in threats, the department said.
“Decreasing violent political rhetoric is one of the best ways to decrease the number of threats across the country,” the agency said.
Members of Congress have been victims of everything from death threats to vandalism at their homes and offices, most recently due to the increased tension over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Middle East. Some House Republicans who opposed a speakership bid from Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) reported receiving angry calls and death threats after casting their votes as well.
Rep. Pat Ryan (D-NY) told Axios that the number of investigated cases by Capitol Police may not reflect the actual amount of threats members of Congress receive.
“I’ve had phone calls and messages and social [media posts] that have been particularly violent and vile that I don’t know we actually, technically reported,” he said, noting the messages were mostly Israel-related.
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Reps. Max Miller (R-OH) and Greg Landsman (D-OH) have been subject to antisemitic threats, and they continue to be worried about the safety of their families.
“When people start showing up at your house, banging on your door, throwing things and threatening you, which has happened to a lot of members, it’s a big worry,” Landsman said.