At a Glance
- Capitol Police investigated 14,938 cases in 2025, up from 9,474 in 2024.
- Threats to Congress have risen for three consecutive years, reaching the highest level in years.
- The rise is linked to a perceived “false sense of anonymity online.”
- The agency’s agreements with state and district law-enforcement agencies tripled in 2025.
Why it matters: The spike in threats signals growing hostility toward elected officials and highlights the need for stronger protective measures.
The latest annual report from Capitol Police reveals a dramatic increase in threats directed at members of Congress, their families, staff, and the Capitol Complex. The data show a clear upward trend over the past three years, with 2025 marking the highest level of incidents on record.
Rising Threats and the 2025 Report
The 2025 report shows that Capitol Police investigated 14,938 cases last year, up from 9,474 in 2024. In 2023, the agency handled 8,008 cases, and 7,501 in 2022.
> “Decreasing violent political rhetoric is one of the best ways to decrease the number of threats across the country,” said a Capitol Police spokesperson in a statement released Tuesday.
The agency attributes the surge partly to a “false sense of anonymity online.” This perception may embolden individuals to issue threats with the belief that they can avoid detection.
| Year | Cases Investigated |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 7,501 |
| 2023 | 8,008 |
| 2024 | 9,474 |
| 2025 | 14,938 |
The report defines the cases it tracks as “concerning statements, behaviors, and communications directed against Members of Congress, their families, staff, and the Capitol Complex.”
Political Violence Across the Country
The rise in threats is part of a broader pattern of political violence that has surfaced nationwide. Recent incidents include:
- Swatting incidents aimed at congressional staff.
- Pipe bomb threats, notably those directed at former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene after her split with President Donald Trump.
- A man lunged at Rep. Ilhan Omar and sprayed an unknown substance toward her on Tuesday.
- Rep. Maxwell Frost reported being punched in the face at the Sundance Film Festival by a man who allegedly told him Trump would deport him.
These events underscore the tangible risks that elected officials face beyond the Capitol’s walls.
Partnerships and Prevention Efforts
Capitol Police has formal agreements with law-enforcement agencies across states and congressional districts. The number of these agreements tripled in 2025, a development the agency hopes will strengthen response capabilities.
> “We encourage agencies that don’t yet partner with us to do so,” said a Capitol Police official.
By collaborating with local and state authorities, the agency aims to:
- Share intelligence on potential threats.
- Coordinate rapid response plans.
- Provide training on threat assessment.
These partnerships are intended to reduce the likelihood of violent incidents and improve the safety of Congress members and their staff.
Key Takeaways
- The number of threats to Congress has increased dramatically, with 2025 reporting the highest count on record.
- Online anonymity is cited as a key factor driving the rise in violent rhetoric.
- Recent high-profile incidents illustrate the real-world impact of these threats.
- Tripled partnerships with state and district law-enforcement agencies represent a strategic effort to mitigate risk.
The findings highlight the urgency of addressing the root causes of political hostility and reinforcing protective measures for those who serve in Congress.
