The United States Capitol Police (USCP) has announced an increase in security for parliamentarians citing an increase in political tension in the country that would have increased the danger for congressmen and senators.
The decision comes days after Paul Pelosi, the husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was attacked at his home in San Francisco, Bloomberg has learned.
«We believe the current political climate demands more resources to provide additional layers of physical security for members of Congress,» Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger said in a statement.
After reviewing last Friday’s incident, the USCP has shown its willingness to improve its security service, since the United States «cannot afford to make things easy for potential bad actors.»
«The assistance we receive from our partner agencies is crucial to ensuring the safety and security of members of Congress while they are away from Capitol Hill. The Department will continue to coordinate with state and local law enforcement agencies on member safety and security,» Capitol Police have detailed.
«During this time of heightened political tension, we continue to monitor thousands of cases across the country in an effort to stop potential threats before they make headlines,» it added, assuring that as few as 12 percent of potential attackers on politicians in the United States are identified and prosecuted before they act.
Paul Pelosi, 82, was attacked last Friday at his home by David DePape, who has been identified as the alleged perpetrator. The U.S. Department of Justice has already reported that DePape has been charged with assault and attempted kidnapping.
Pelosi’s husband was injured after being hit with a hammer, although the main target of the assailant was the Speaker of the House herself, who was not at home at the time, so the area around the house did not have the usual security detail.
