Democratic Leaders Call for Increased Security Funding After Minnesota Shootings

Jeffries and Schumer cite rising threats and political violence against both parties in letter to Speaker Mike Johnson and in public remarks.

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) speak at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on June 11, 2025. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Top Democratic leaders in Congress are calling for increased security funding for lawmakers following recent shootings that killed former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and wounded state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife.

In a letter sent June 16 to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and House Administration Committee Ranking Member Joe Morelle (D-N.Y) urged immediate action to strengthen member safety. They pointed to the attack as part of a growing trend of threats and violence against elected officials.