USCP Threat Assessment Cases for 2023
The number of United States Capitol Police (USCP) threat assessment cases climbed last year, as we head into an election year when threats typically surge.
In 2023, the USCP’s Threat Assessment Section (TAS) investigated 8,008 cases. That number includes investigations into concerning statements and direct threats.
“I am proud of our agents who are working around the clock and across the nation to keep up with a significant caseload to protect the Members of Congress and the Capitol Complex,” said U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger. “We continue to improve and enhance our investigative and protective responsibilities by focusing on security both here on Capitol Hill and in Member’s home districts.”
Threat Assessment Section case numbers for the last five years:
- 7,501 in 2022
- 9,625 in 2021
- 8,613 in 2020
- 6,955 in 2019
- 5,206 in 2018
Members of Congress of both political parties receive a wide range of threats and concerning statements that are sent through the mail, email, telephone, and social media/the internet.
People continue to have a false sense of anonymity on social media, which has resulted in more investigations over the years. Decreasing violent political rhetoric is one of the best ways to decrease the number of threats across the country.
“With the political conventions, Member campaigns, and many issues being debated on Capitol Hill, this is going to be a very busy year for our special agents,” said USCP Assistant Chief of Protective and Intelligence Operations Ashan M. Benedict. “Our team is dedicated to putting all of our resources into protecting the Congress while we continue to grow in order to keep up with our expanding mission.”
In August of 2023, the Department launched a new initiative to add special agents to further protect the Congress including recruiting videos showcasing our Protective Operations.
Previously the USCP’s the Investigations Division (ID) and Dignitary Protection Division (DPD) only hired internal candidates. The Department is now adding additional paths to become a special agent with the United States Capitol Police.
The new positions can be found on the USCP Careers page HERE.
Current USCP officers will still be able to apply to become USCP special agents. This new improvement will simply create a second pipeline of recruits, so the Department can continue to grow its Uniformed Operations, while simultaneously expanding its Protective Services Operations.
The USCP has made dozens of changes to improve intelligence, planning, communication, training, staffing and equipment during the last three years. United States Capitol Police special agents work 24/7 to investigate threats and coordinate with law enforcement agencies to prevent potential attacks against lawmakers.
We continue to closely coordinate with the House and Senate Sergeant at Arms offices to enhance security for Members of Congress at their homes and at congressional events. The USCP and the Sergeant at Arms also offer security awareness training to Members and their staff. Their partnerships, along with assistance from local law enforcement agencies across the country, are extremely important to keep everyone safe.
To better protect everyone in the Legislative Branch, the United States Capitol Police hired its own attorneys and detailed them to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to work as prosecutors who specialize in the unique types of threat cases faced by Congress. 28 U.S. Code 543 allows the DOJ to appoint these Special Assistant U.S. Attorney’s (SAUSAs). The SAUSAs work is controlled and assigned by the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO). Other law enforcement agencies have also had SAUSAs. (NOTE: The SAUSAs are not prosecuting cases related to January 6)