US Capitol Police chief says threats to lawmakers keep rising

U.S. Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan has requested the department’s first budget over $1 billion, pointing to increasing security demands and rising threats against members of Congress.

“The threat environment continues to grow,” Sullivan said Tuesday during testimony to the House Appropriations Legislative Branch subcommittee.

Sullivan said last year his department investigated nearly 15,000 concerning statements and threats directed at Congress. That was a 58% increase compared to the previous year.

He said the department is on pace to exceed that this year.

“These are not just numbers. They’re threats against real people,” Sullivan said. “We understand how disruptive and unsettling that can be.”

Read more: WTOP