Threats to members of Congress decreased by more than 2,000 in 2022, compared to a record-breaking 9,625 in 2021, according to statistics released on Tuesday by the United States Capitol Police.
Capitol Police investigated 7,501 threat cases last year, according to the agency.
“The threats against members of Congress remain excessive,” said Chief Tom Manger in a statement. “This has necessitated an expansion of not only our investigative capabilities, but also our protection responsibilities.”
“While that work is ongoing, the best way to keep everyone safe is for everyone to continue to reduce violent political rhetoric across the country,” Manger said.
The unprecedented threats two years ago followed the Jan. 6 insurgency at the Capitol, which temporarily placed members of Congress under lockdown. Despite the decrease in 2022, there were notable incidents of legislator-related violence.
Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was assaulted at their California home in October. According to police, the suspect was looking for Nancy Pelosi.
Threats against members of Congress have increased since 2017, when there were 3,939 reported, according to Capitol Police data.
As part of its response, the agency has hired prosecutors who are detailed to the Department of Justice to work on threat cases. These prosecutors, known as special assistant United States Attorneys, are not involved in any cases related to January 6.