Charlie Kirk assassination sparks security review in Washington

The White House and Congress are stepping up security following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

(CNN)- The White House and Congress are stepping up security following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

A source told NBC News that the measures included heightened precautions at President Donald Trump’s box during the Yankees–Tigers game last night, as well as stronger entrance screenings at Yankee Stadium. Another source said organizers moved a 9/11 ceremony to ensure the president’s safety.

Despite the changes, Trump said he is not concerned for himself.
“He was an advocate of nonviolence. That’s the way I’d like to see people respond,” Trump said, adding, “Not really. I’m really concerned for our country. We have a great country. We have a radical left group of lunatics out there.”

On Capitol Hill, lawmakers are considering new steps to protect members of Congress. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said a review is underway to determine what measures are appropriate.
“We’ve got to protect people who run for public office or no one will,” Johnson said. He also noted that he discussed lowering the political temperature with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).

“We have to figure out a better way to come together, not as Democrats or Republicans but as Americans,” Jeffries said.

Individual lawmakers voiced concerns about their own safety. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) said his wife wants him to start wearing a bulletproof vest, while Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) admitted that being accessible to voters is starting to feel like being vulnerable.