Minnesota assassination spurs wave of state bills to protect elected officials

Source: Politico

07/19/2025 12:00 PM EDT


The June assassination of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman prompted at least a dozen states to pass or consider legislation designed to bolster protections for state lawmakers. But the measures are facing sharp criticism from press freedom and government watchdog organizations that say the bills could be used to keep the public in the dark.

The new wave of lawmaker protection bills have passed in both red states like Florida and blue states like Oregon, as elected officials on both sides of the aisle worry about the safety of themselves and their families during a period of growing political violence nationwide.

The killing of Hortman and her husband, and the attack on state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, were just the latest examples: In 2020, militia members plotted to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer from her vacation home. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s official residence was targeted by an arsonist in April. And this week marked the one year anniversary of the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump.

Texas, New Jersey, California and Arizona are among the other states weighing similar proposals.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/19/minnesota-assassination-spurs-wave-of-state-bills-to-protect-elected-officials-00463300