Political climate in US calls for more resources to keep politicians safe: Police

By Barry Ellsworth

TRENTON, Canada (AA) - The volatile political climate that led to the attack on US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband shows more resources are needed to keep politicians safe, US Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger said Tuesday.

"Friday’s attack against Paul Pelosi is an alarming reminder of the dangerous threats elected officials and public figures face during today’s contentious political climate," he said in a statement on the Capitol Police website. "We believe today’s political climate calls for more resources to provide additional layers of physical security for Members of Congress."

Manger said the force wants to hire another 280 officers by the end of December to allow the agency to provide a larger blanket of protection to politicians.

US President Joe Biden signed legislation in 2021 that provided more than $70 million in funding to bolster Capitol Police resources, including more staff, intelligence gathering abilities and security officers to protect members of Congress, as well as $34.5 million to liaise with other agencies.

Actual specifics of the plan to increase security were kept under wraps.

"Hopefully you can understand that we cannot disclose the details about these improvements because our country cannot afford to make it easier for any potential bad actors,” said Manger. "We understand the urgency of today’s challenges and remain committed to our mission.”

David Wayne DePape, the 42-year-old Canadian suspect, is charged with assault and attempted kidnapping following the attack on Paul Pelosi at his home in San Francisco.​​​​​​​