Threats against Republicans:
FOX has learned that the Richmond, VA campaign office of House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) was shot at Monday.
Cantor, is the highest-elected Jewish official in the country and the only Jewish Republican in the House.
As a member of the House leadership, U.S. Capitol Police provide Cantor with a security detail around the clock. But FOX has learned that Cantor was one of about ten lawmakers Thursday who asked for enhanced protection after a spate of threats were. Most of the threats were directed at House Democrats who voted in favor of the health care reform bill over the weekend.
The Department of Homeland Security is involved in the Cantor case because he is a member of the House leadership.
Wednesday, Capitol Police Chief Phil Morse, House Sergeant-at-Arms Bill Livingood and FBI officials met with House Democrats behind closed doors Wednesday to discuss security measures.
FOX has also obtained a threatening message left Friday on the voicemail of Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-OH). This is believed to be the first threat against a Republican member. The message contained racial overtones and profane language.
Threats against Democrats:
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Capitol Police and the House sergeant at arms on Wednesday were brought into a closed-door Democratic Caucus meeting, during which lawmakers expressed fear for their safety and the safety of their families.
The Capitol Police, according to several in the caucus meeting, encouraged members to report any incidents to the department. They also offered security assessments of district offices and even members’ homes.
One Democratic lawmaker, Rep. Phil Hare of Illinois, said he knows several Democrats who have told their spouses to move out of the home districts while the lawmakers are in Washington.
“If this doesn’t get under control in short time, heaven forbid, someone will get hurt,” Hare said.
And House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland told reporters after a caucus meeting that members who feel in danger would “get attention from the proper authorities.”
No commentary at this time other than to say, legal venues are the way to go, violence should not be part of this issue.
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