WASHINGTON — The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk is sending shock waves through Capitol Hill, with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle expressing fears for their own safety and taking greater security precautions following a summer of political violence.
Members are beefing up their security, moving public events indoors or canceling them altogether. One is even vowing to carry firearms.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., the progressive star who has faced numerous death threats over the years, said Thursday she had postponed two public events planned for this weekend in North Carolina, including a rally in Raleigh set for Sunday.
“From the moment I was elected, I have felt that I accept a certain level of risk in doing this job,” Ocasio-Cortez told reporters. But she added that security protocols for members of Congress are “for a bygone time. … They’re not designed for a digital threat environment era.”
Other lawmakers are saying they won’t hold any large town halls or public events — just small, private events.
Republican Rep. Nancy Mace, who is running for governor in South Carolina, said she is canceling all outdoor and public events for the foreseeable future, including an upcoming speaking gig on a college campus.
An outspoken