White House tightens security after Charlie Kirk assassination
The White House and Capitol Hill are moving to increase security after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk — a killing that rattled Washington and fueled concerns about escalating political violence. President Donald Trump’s staff relocated the Pentagon’s Sept. 11 memorial event to a more secure location ahead of his remarks and increased Secret Service presence at Yankee Stadium during his appearance later that evening.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles urged staff to spend time with their families and reminded them that most lack personal security details. In a video message from the Oval Office, Trump accused left-wing groups of fueling political violence and pledged to investigate organizations he said were enabling it.
During the Pentagon ceremony, Trump announced plans to posthumously grant Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, praising him as an influential figure of his generation.
What security changes are lawmakers making?
Lawmakers in both parties canceled or delayed public events. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez postponed a North Carolina rally, while Sen. Ruben Gallego called off a Nevada town hall. Republican Rep. Nancy Mace said she would halt appearances for now and planned to carry a firearm for protection.
House Oversight Chairman James Comer warned that open-air events are particularly vulnerable after the rooftop-shooter attacked Kirk’s event, recalling the 2024 attempt on Trump’s life. Speaker Mike Johnson said members on “both sides of the aisle” were shaken, calling Kirk’s death an assassination carried out for his beliefs.
What are the broader concerns?
On Capitol Hill, lawmakers described a pervasive sense of fear. Rep. Jared Moskowitz said “people are scared to death,” noting that police expect threats against members to reach 14,000 this year, up from 9,000 in 2024.
Democrats including Sen. Elizabeth Warren condemned the assassination as “horrific” and stressed that political violence must not be tolerated. Others accused Trump of using the moment to deepen divisions rather than ease tensions.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
