Political Violence Drives Fivefold Surge in Campaign Security Costs
A new report by the Public Service Alliance reveals that security spending for congressional and presidential campaigns has increased fivefold over the past decade, reaching over $40 million in the 2023-24 cycle. This escalation is attributed to a hostile political environment marked by rising threats ranging from doxing to assassination plots. The report highlights specific incidents including the 2017 baseball shooting, the 2022 assault on Nancy Pelosi's husband, the 2024 attempt on Donald Trump, and recent killings of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and commentator Charlie Kirk. Significant cost increases are noted in digital security and home protection, with nearly $1 million spent on residential security measures like surveillance and response contracts. Author Justin Sherman warns that these rising costs create a financial barrier for potential candidates, marking a troubling shift where personal safety expenses now influence decisions to run for office.
Wire timeline
Political Violence Drives Fivefold Surge in Campaign Security Costs
A new report by the Public Service Alliance reveals that security spending for congressional and presidential campaigns has increased fivefold over the past decade, reaching over $40 million in the 2023-24 cycle. This escalation is attributed to a hostile political environment marked by rising threats ranging from doxing to assassination plots. The report highlights specific incidents including the 2017 baseball shooting, the 2022 assault on Nancy Pelosi's husband, the 2024 attempt on Donald Trump, and recent killings of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and commentator Charlie Kirk. Significant cost increases are noted in digital security and home protection, with nearly $1 million spent on residential security measures like surveillance and response contracts. Author Justin Sherman warns that these rising costs create a financial barrier for potential candidates, marking a troubling shift where personal safety expenses now influence decisions to run for office.
AP News