Following the tragic killing of a Minnesota state lawmaker, members of Congress are facing heightened security concerns both in Washington and at home. Emergency briefings are being held this week to address the fears and tensions surrounding the safety of federal lawmakers.

The suspect in the attack had a list of federal lawmakers in his writings, in addition to the state lawmakers he targeted. The incident involved the shooting and killing of former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in their home. Another lawmaker and his wife were also wounded in the attack.

These shootings have highlighted the increasing threats against members of Congress, which have more than doubled in the last decade. The history of violent attacks against lawmakers and their families has raised concerns about their security and safety.

Several high-profile incidents, including the shooting of Democratic Rep. Gabby Giffords in 2011 and the attack on Republican Rep. Steve Scalise in 2017, have left lawmakers and their families vulnerable. Despite increased security measures, the question of whether lawmakers can ever be truly safe in their roles remains.

Lawmakers like Minnesota Democratic Sen. Tina Smith and Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy have expressed the need for adjustments to ensure the safety of members of Congress. The U.S. Capitol Police reported a record number of threats against lawmakers last year, indicating a growing concern for their security.

While members of Congress have access to resources for security, the allocation of funds and the effectiveness of these measures remain uncertain. The recent shootings in Minnesota have also sparked internal tensions among lawmakers, highlighting the divisive political climate.

The tragic incident involving the killing of a Minnesota state lawmaker has reignited discussions about the security of federal lawmakers and the need for enhanced safety measures to protect them.