The White House has requested $58 million to increase security for the executive and judicial branches following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The proposed funding would enhance security within the U.S. Marshals’ office and strengthen protection for Supreme Court Justices, according to administration officials.
An earlier proposal from the Trump administration also called for increased security measures for members of Congress, but that aspect may be handled by the legislative branch instead.
In August, a pilot program was launched allowing members of Congress to hire personal security or improve home safety measures, as reported by CBS News. The Senate is currently considering further security enhancements for its members.
“We’ve got to protect people who run for public office or no one will, and that’s heavy on our minds as we also, you know, work through the trauma of what happened,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson on Thursday, referencing the Kirk shooting.
Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan stated that his department expects to track at least 14,000 threats against congressional lawmakers this year—an increase compared to recent years. He added that officers will be working in a “heightened posture” moving forward.
Kirk’s death has raised concerns about safety among both major political parties and other prominent government figures in the United States.
According to The New York Times, the request said that additional funds “is necessary due to increased threats against public officials,” and outlined “anticipated costs for the marshals to provide protective services for the Supreme Court of the United States.”
Lawmakers are currently working toward a September 30 deadline to pass a stop gap spending bill. If approved, the proposed funds would be available through fall 2027.
