WASHINGTON — On the day that Nancy Pelosi, House Speaker, was attacked in their home by an intruder, a right-wing news website ran a story critiquing U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar’s use of private security to respond to what the lawmaker described as death threats.
Omar, D-5th District was the only one who wasn’t a member or the Democratic House and Senate leadership that was forced into a secure room by a mob attacking the U.S. Capitol Jan. 6, 2021. Omar was believed to be in imminent danger by Capitol Police.
Omar also has special Capitol Police protection for other times, due to concerns over threats against the progressive lawmaker, who has become a lightning rod of the right. Omar also employs private security to protect her Twin Cities-based district.
Tucker Carlson, founder of Fox News’ right-wing news and opinion website The Daily Caller and sold it in 2020, criticised Omar for using her campaign fund for security, which Federal Elections Commission records show was more than $27,000 in August and September.
Omar also opposed funding the police, according to Friday’s story. Omar supported a failed referendum that would have made the Minneapolis Police Department a new public safety agency, but she said she supports reform and restructuring of law enforcement, not defunding.
Rep. Rep. That’s the Democrat Way .”
Omar stated Friday that she had received more threats since summer.
span style=”font weight: 400 Unfortunately, death threats and even assassination plans are a regular part my life as a public service officer,” Omar stated. These threats increase when prominent rightwing figures target me, especially during election season. Since summer, I have witnessed an increase in threats .”
She said that the threats create a dangerous environment not only for her, but for my family, my employees, and anyone who shares my identity.
Police responded to a burglary at Pelosi’s San Francisco home early Friday. They found Paul Pelosi (82), and David DePape (42), fighting over a hammer. San Francisco Police Chief William Scott stated that DePape, 42 struck Pelosi in both the head and body. He was then subdued by Scott and taken into custody.
DePape had written conspiracy theories about COVID vaccines and the 2020 election on social media and shouted “Where is Nancy?” as he entered the Pelosi residence. DePape was not at home but was in Washington D.C. Paul Pelosi is expected to make a full recovery.
Omar stated that the violent attack on Paul Pelosi’s husband Paul was a chilling reminder about the dangers associated with serving a loved one in public office. “My thoughts and prayers are with Paul Pelosi, Speaker, and their entire family during this difficult time .”
The threat of violence against Congress members is on the rise. The U.S. Capitol Police received more than 9,600 threats to lawmakers in 2021 earlier this year. This is nearly twice the number that was reported in 2017. Between January 1 and March 1, 2018, the Capitol Police opened an additional 1,820 cases. Some of these included “concerning statements or threats span>
In response to increased threats, the House Sergent at Arms announced that his office would pay up to $10,000 each to members to enhance security in their homes through lighting, cameras, motion detectors and other devices.
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