'Direct threats' against lawmakers 'regardless of party' hiked in 2023 — Capitol police predict surge in 2024

According to a Thursday, January 18 Politico report, US Capitol Police (USCP) saw a surge of "concerning statements and direct threats" towards lawmakers in 2023 — "regardless of political party" — in 2023.

Per the report, the Capitol police force probed more than "8,000 threat assessment cases" last year — "an increase of more than 500 from 2022 and a potential harbinger of a spike in 2024."

Politico notes according to a press release issued by USCP Assistant Chief of Protective and Intelligence Operations Ashan M. Benedict, "Threat assessment cases typically surge in election years."

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The USCP noted that the increase "in threat assessment cases in recent years can be attributed to social media users having a 'false sense of anonymity' online."

In the release, Benedict emphasized, "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. 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."

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