HARRISBURG, PA — Amid rising threats against public officials, Pennsylvania state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia) has introduced a bill aimed at increasing protections for state-level candidates and elected officials by allowing the use of campaign funds to hire professional security services.
The proposal comes in the wake of several recent tragedies, including the fatal attack on Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as the critical injuries sustained by state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife in the same incident. Kenyatta also referenced other alarming events, such as an arson at Governor Josh Shapiro’s home and the deaths of bystanders during an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump last summer.
“Let’s be clear: what happened in Minnesota wasn’t just tragic—it was a deliberate, evil act of political violence. And it should shake every one of us to our core,” said Kenyatta.
He expressed deep concern about the increasing dangers faced by those in public service. “We are living in a moment where public servants are being targeted for doing their jobs. That is not democracy. That is terrorism,” he stated.
Under the proposed legislation, Pennsylvania state-level candidates and officials would gain access to a security funding provision already permitted for their federal counterparts. Kenyatta emphasized that such measures are essential in ensuring public servants feel secure while performing their duties.
“In addition to this horrific attack, we saw our own governor, Josh Shapiro, endure a fire at his home in the Governor’s Residence while his family slept,” Kenyatta pointed out. “State lawmakers across the country are facing escalating threats and abuse from individuals who feel emboldened—even entitled—to use violence as a form of protest.”
He urged bipartisan backing for the proposal, highlighting the urgency of addressing the escalating climate of political violence. “We must send a clear, unified message: political violence will never be tolerated—not here, not now, not ever.”
Kenyatta’s legislation aims to protect public servants across party lines and emphasizes the preservation of democracy amid an era of growing hostility toward elected officials.
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