Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday that House Republicans pose a threat to Democrats, and she pledged additional federal money to boost security in the Capitol.
Pelosi said Congress must pass a supplemental spending bill to provide funds “for security for members, when the enemy is within the House of Representatives of a threat that members are concerned about, in addition to what is happening outside.”
Pelosi and Democrats fear Republican members of Congress carrying guns. The California Democrat has installed metal detectors at the doors to the House chamber, prompting protests from GOP lawmakers.
When asked to elaborate on the enemies comment, Pelosi told the Washington Examiner, “It means we have members of Congress who want to bring guns on the floor and have threatened violence on other members of Congress.”
Some Republican members carry licensed firearms around the Capitol. Guns are prohibited in the House chamber.
Pelosi said that the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by pro-Trump protesters has left the Democratic caucus fearful weeks later.
House Democrats are asking for additional money to protect them, including when they return home to their districts and are flying or taking other public transportation. The Capitol remains surrounded by 8-foot fencing with barbed wire, and the campus is occupied by thousands of National Guard troops.
Democrats say they are fearful of their fellow Republican lawmakers as well. Partisan tensions have escalated in recent weeks, and the GOP conference includes new pro-Trump members, including Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado, who was determined to bring a gun into the chamber.
Pelosi installed the metal detectors in front of the chamber shortly after the attack on the Capitol.
Rep. Andy Harris, a Maryland Republican, had to hand his licensed handgun to an aide after he was stopped at the metal detector in front of the House chamber last week. Harris said he was carrying the weapon for protection after receiving threats.
Pelosi said former President Donald Trump is not only responsible for inspiring the attack on the Capitol, but that he also “keeps fanning the flame, endangering the security of members of Congress to the point that they’ve even been concerned about members in the House of Representatives being a danger to them.”
