Terrified Lawmakers Postpone Public Events

"People are scared to death in this building." That's what one lawmaker, Rep. Jared Moskowitz, is saying after Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at an event on a Utah college campus Wednesday. The Democrat had already stopped holding outdoor events and upped his security earlier this year—a trend that seems like it may increase in the wake of Kirk's death. As NBC News and CBS News report, lawmakers are canceling events amid fears for their safety. In the House, Nancy Mace is canceling all events for now, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez postponed two events scheduled in North Carolina this weekend, Jim Clyburn canceled some upcoming events but will still appear at a church, and others are moving events indoors. In the Senate, Ruben Gallego postponed a town hall.

"I'm not gonna lie, I'm gonna think twice next time I'm in the major parade, just a few blocks away, right?" says Republican Sen. John Curtis of Utah. "I think all of us are going to be rethinking some things. And I, I hope we come up with a way that allows us to stay very, very connected to those we represent." House Speaker Mike Johnson says he's reviewing security protocols amid calls from multiple representatives concerned about their safety. Some lawmakers, though, are calling for elected officials not to back down. "That's what these folks try to do, they try to scare you into inaction," Lindsey Graham said. "And I think that that's the last thing that Charlie would want, is for people to be quiet, whether you agree with him or not." (Meanwhile, security experts are questioning the security at Kirk's event.)