Members of Congress say correspondents' dinner shooting was a chilling reminder of security gaps
The shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner highlighted ongoing security vulnerabilities for rank-and-file members of Congress, who typically lack the protective details afforded to leadership and top officials. Lawmakers described confusion and a lack of coordinated response during the incident, underscoring concerns about their safety at high-profile events. The event has reignited discussions about the rising number of threats against congressional members and the need for improved security protocols.
- ▪Rank-and-file members of Congress do not typically receive 24/7 security details, unlike leadership and high-ranking officials.
- ▪During the shooting, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise helped Rep. Jared Moskowitz escape using his own security detail.
- ▪Some lawmakers were left without guidance and had to walk home after being locked down in the ballroom.
- ▪The U.S. Capitol Police investigated a record 14,938 threats against members of Congress, their families, and staff last year.
- ▪No proactive list of attending lawmakers was compiled ahead of the event, and some members were not contacted to confirm their safety afterward.
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CongressMembers of Congress say correspondents' dinner shooting was a chilling reminder of security gapsRank-and-file lawmakers aren't afforded the same protections as members of leadership and Cabinet officials. Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00 body:has(.jw-flag-floating) .article-hero__container, body:has(.jw-flag-floating) .article-hero__media-holder, body:has(.jw-flag-floating) #content { z-index: auto; } Add NBC News to GoogleHouse Speaker Johnson rushed out by Secret Service at WHCD00:16Get more newsLiveonShareAdd NBC News to GoogleApril 30, 2026, 1:01 PM EDTBy Melanie Zanona, Julie Tsirkin and Brennan LeachWASHINGTON — For many members of Congress, Saturday’s shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was a chilling reminder of not only the…
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