The U.S. Capitol Police report found that threat-related cases tied to Congress rose to 14,938 in 2025, up from 9,474 in 2024, marking a third straight year of increases. The agency partly blames a "false sense of anonymity online" and says violent political rhetoric contributes to the trend. The report highlights recent violent episodes involving Reps. Ilhan Omar and Maxwell Frost and notes that formal partnerships with state and local law enforcement tripled in 2025.
Threats Against Congress Surge To Multi-Year High In 2025, Capitol Police Say
Capitol Police said nearly 15,000 threats were investigated last year. (Andrew Harnik / Getty Images)(Andrew Harnik)
The U.S. Capitol Police reported a sharp rise in threat-related cases tied to Congress in 2025, marking the third consecutive year of increases and the highest total in recent years.
Report Findings
According to the agency's annual report released Tuesday, the Capitol Police investigated 14,938 cases in 2025, up from 9,474 in 2024. The report catalogues incidents that include "concerning statements, behaviors, and communications" directed at Members of Congress, their families, staff and the Capitol Complex. By comparison, investigators handled 8,008 cases in 2023 and 7,501 in 2022.
Drivers Behind The Surge
The Capitol Police attributed part of the increase to what it described as a "false sense of anonymity online," saying that unchecked behavior on digital platforms has fueled more threatening communications and conduct. In a statement accompanying the report, the agency said:
"Decreasing violent political rhetoric is one of the best ways to decrease the number of threats across the country."
Types Of Threats
The report notes a range of politically motivated harassment and threats, including so-called "swatting" incidents and pipe-bomb threats. It cites high-profile examples such as pipe-bomb threats made against former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., after her public split with former President Donald Trump.
Recent Violent Episodes
Recent incidents referenced in the report include an attack this week when a man lunged at Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and sprayed an unknown substance toward her. Last week, Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) said he was punched at the Sundance Film Festival by a man who allegedly told him that Mr. Trump would deport him.
Partnerships And Response
The Capitol Police said the number of formal agreements with state and local law enforcement partners tripled in 2025, and the agency encouraged jurisdictions that do not yet have formal arrangements to join those partnerships to better identify and mitigate threats.
Officials warn that reducing violent rhetoric and improving cooperation across agencies and platforms are key steps to reversing the multi-year rise in threats directed at Congress.
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