The Trump administration has asked Congress to approve an additional $58m for security services to protect members of the executive and judicial branches, following the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. According to multiple reports, the request also supports increased funding for the protection of members of Congress, though the administration has deferred to the legislative branch on further measures.
The request comes as House Democrats prepare to hold a virtual security briefing on Sunday evening, with the House sergeant at arms and the Capitol police chief, in the aftermath of Kirk's death. Kirk, a prominent ally of President Trump, was killed while speaking at a university event in Utah last week, and a suspect has been arrested. Although the shooter's motive has not been officially confirmed, conservatives have expressed anger and blamed liberal activists for the killing, leading to a declaration of war by the right and the cancellation of events over safety fears.
Recent data indicates a sharp rise in political violence in the United States. More than 520 plots and acts of terrorism and targeted violence occurred across nearly all states in the first six months of 2025, resulting in at least 96 deaths and 329 injuries. This marks a nearly 40% increase compared with the same period in 2024, according to the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism at the University of Maryland.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said last week that congressional leaders were reviewing security arrangements for members of Congress. “We have to protect people who run for public office, or no one will and that is heavy on our hearts and minds,” he said.
The additional security funding request coincides with the approaching government funding deadline of 30 September. With congressional leaders at odds over healthcare-related bills, the United States faces the prospect of a government shutdown.
