Speaker Mike Johnson announced on Thursday an accelerated review of security measures for Congress members following the assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk at a public event in Utah. This incident has intensified the urgency to reevaluate and enhance protection for lawmakers and their families.

Previously, bipartisan leadership in the House had introduced a pilot program aimed at boosting security funding. This initiative was scheduled for a review at the end of the current month. However, the tragic event on Wednesday has driven an immediate need to hasten these efforts.

Johnson revealed that prior to Kirk's death, about 20 members of Congress had expressed interest in the additional security resources. The number of lawmakers seeking enhanced protection surged following the incident, reflecting a bipartisan concern for safety.

“We're in a deliberate review process right now to determine what measures are appropriate, how much we could allocate for that,” Johnson told the press. He emphasized the importance of ensuring safety for those in public service, stating, “We’ve got to protect people who run for public office or no one will, and that's heavy on our hearts and minds as we also work through the trauma of what happened yesterday.”

A U.S. Capitol Police spokesperson, while refraining from detailing the specifics of their increased security measures owing to safety concerns, affirmed the ongoing collaboration with federal, state, and local partners to maintain a secure environment for public officials. The spokesperson also noted that the Capitol Police have been navigating a “heightened threat environment for a long time.”

The swift reaction from both governmental and security bodies underscores the gravity of the threats faced by public figures in today’s volatile climate, and the critical need for robust protective measures. This incident has evidently acted as a catalyst for immediate action, aiming to safeguard the lives of those who serve the public.