BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Groups that gather state legislators and staffers together for days of policy summits are taking added security measures this summer, boosting the presence of law enforcement officers in the wake of an assassination of a prominent Minnesota lawmaker and an attack on another last month.
The Council of State Governments’ Southern Legislative Conference, held here this week, featured dozens of uniformed Alabama Highway Patrol troopers, stationed in and around the host hotel. Trooper vehicles followed every bus ferrying lawmakers to a welcome reception, and to site visits throughout the city.
“This is the first time at any of the conventions I’ve seen this much security,” North Carolina Sen. Jim Burgin (R) told Pluribus News. He said he had spoken to Alabama legislative leaders hosting this year’s conference: “They just said, not on our watch. So they are being very cautious.”
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency did not respond to a request for comment. Neither did Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R), who chaired the Southern Legislative Conference’s host committee.
Security at legislative conferences is normal. Attendees and guests are given badges they must wear to access policy conferences and exhibitor halls. But the level of security in Birmingham was noticeably higher than at similar conferences in recent years.
Several delegations of lawmakers brought their own security. South Carolina Senate Sergeant at Arms Chuck Williams joined several dozen Palmetto State lawmakers who made the trip to Alabama.
Alabama Sen. David Sessions (R) specifically pointed to the June attacks in suburban Minneapolis, in which a gunman assassinated former House Speaker Melissa Hortman (D) and her husband and wounded Sen. John Hoffman (D) and his wife in separate attacks at their homes.
That attack was only the latest in a series of violent incidents targeting politicians. Earlier this year, an arson set fire to the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion while Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) and his family slept. Texas authorities arrested an armed man who threatened state lawmakers. President Trump survived two assassination attempts on the campaign trail in 2024.
In Washington, the U.S. Capitol Police have reported a rise in violent threats against members of Congress.
“When you consider the number of legislators that are here, I think that’s just pretty standard procedure for how our state handles events like this,” Alabama Sen. Keith Kelley (R) said.
Other legislator organizations have said they are increasing security as well.
The National Conference of State Legislatures recently issued an update to members attending its 50th annual Legislative Summit in Boston next month detailing added security measures, including controlled access points to the convention center, coordination with local, state and federal safety agencies, and a command center staffed around the clock.
“The safety of everyone attending the NCSL Legislative Summit is our top priority, especially given recent events. We’re taking several extra steps this year to make sure people feel safe and secure while they’re in Boston,” said Mick Bullock, NCSL’s director of public affairs. “This year, we’re adding even more layers to our usual security plan.”
At a moment of heightened political tensions, legislatures across the country have bolstered security. Many states have removed lawmakers’ addresses from their websites. Other states have advanced legislation shielding lawmaker addresses from public disclosure, and several have already boosted security at state capitol buildings.
Burgin, the North Carolina senator, said his local sheriff had urged him to make contact if he ever felt threatened. Burgin said he would remain cautious.
“I tell people I’m careful but I’m unafraid. I don’t think we can live in fear in this world, but we do all need to be cautious,” he said.