WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Two congressional staffers are recovering after being attacked with a baseball bat in the office of US Representative Gerry Connolly on Monday. The assault is now part of a conversation about beefing up security at a time when political violence is rising dramatically.
“Very shocking and I think it will take a long time to recover,” Connolly said.
Connolly and his team are still reeling from the violent attack on their Virginia office. While investigators look for a motive, Connolly says lawmakers have other questions.
“I think it exposes the vulnerability of a lot of district offices across the country,” Connolly said. “My teammates mobbed me on the floor last night, checking on me and also expressing concern for their own staff.”
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Last October, then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband was attacked with a hammer in their San Francisco home. In February, Congresswoman Angie Craig was assaulted in a Washington, DC apartment elevator.
Lawmakers from both parties have condemned the various attacks.
“There is no place for political violence in our country,” said Rep. Bryan Steil.
Over the past six years, Capitol Police say threats against members of Congress have increased 400 percent.
Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger expressed concern about the growth in that number.
“Upcoming conventions, upcoming elections and increasingly heated political rhetoric further increase the prospect of future security risks,” Manger said.
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In a hearing Tuesday, lawmakers discussed how to prevent future political violence.
“The incident highlights how important it is that the Capitol Police have the resources they need to protect us,” said Rep. Joe Morelle.
The director general says his department needs more funding and more officers to expand protection.
“We need to make sure we’re doing everything we can to ensure the safety of members while they’re not only here in DC, but when they’re at home,” Manger said.
