No less the live transmission of Kirk’s killing, as millions watched on in terror, has forged a sense of impending doom for many politicians in the US, with analysis across the spectrum highlighting that the very public manner of the assassination has sent chills down the global spine.
Following the arrest of 22 year old Tyler Robinson, whose father and a family pastor urged him to surrender, Time magazine notes that progressively, fear has led to a collective Capitol Hill demand at additional security, with a domino of changes in Congress members programmes, as many moved their events to indoor halls, while others cancelled altogether.
A Republican MP has announced his intention to always carry a weapon, while popular and vocal Democrat Alexandria Ocasio Cortez postponed two events expressing concerns over her safety.
Republican candidate Nancy Mace, who has strongly critisised transgenders, did the same. “Any elected officials that openly express their views across the country, are in mortal danger,” she said.
Time reports that other US MPs flip the argument on its head, pointing out that hiding away from public appearances, means “submitting to a culture of fear”, Missouri Republican Josh Holly said.
Others stressed what they claimed were the inadequacies of the Congress security structures, with Tennessee Republican Tim Barset indicating that everyone should staer taking things clearly, accusing authorities of being “tragically unprepared in its own protective bubble.”
“People are terrified on Capitol Hill;” added Florida Democrat Jared Moscowitz, who had received death threats in the recent past.
Trump’s security has also been beefed up, Time said, citing the Wall Street Journal in disclosing that a September 11th Presidential speech was moved to a safer location, as are a number of other events in which the President will make an appearance.