Capitol Police Chief Urges Doubling Staff Amid Surge in Threats to Lawmakers

Chief Thomas Manger testifies to Senate committee about escalating security risks, staffing shortages, and the need for increased funding.

Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger reported over 700 threats against members of Congress in November 2024 alone, including 50 swatting incidents targeting lawmakers' homes.
Manger called for doubling the Dignitary Protection Division from 250 to 500 officers to address the growing security demands both on and off Capitol Hill.
The department has implemented all post-January 6 reforms and increased its staff by 350 officers since the attack, but burnout and morale issues persist due to overtime demands and resource limitations.
Manger requested funding to support 12 annual recruiting classes of 25 officers each and proposed raising the mandatory retirement age from 60 to 65 to retain experienced personnel.
Lawmakers acknowledged progress in Capitol Police reforms but noted the heightened threat environment, with over 8,000 threats investigated in 2023, underscoring the need for additional resources.