Capitol Increases Securty Following Kavanaugh Testimony

Police are stepping up patrols in the Capitol amid the intense debate over confirming Brett Kavanaugh.

• By Sydny Shepard
• Oct 05, 2018

The intense back and forth over whether to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court has led to police increasing security around the Capitol. Some Senators have been seen with police escorts to child them from protestors hoping to approach and confront them.

Capitol police have arrested dozens of people in recent days for unlawfully demonstrating in Senate Office buildings. Police have begun to increase their patrols in Capitol hallways, in some cases blocking news reporters and the public from approaching law makers in an effort to "keep the peace." 

The increased security from Capitol police comes as Senators voice their concerns for their safety due to the growing amount of protestors in the Senate offices, at restaurants, airports and sometimes, even their homes. Personal information about some lawmakers also has been released online.

Capitol police said late Wednesday night they had charged a former Senate staffer with posting private, identifying information about one or more senators on the internet. The 27-year-old man was charged with making public restricted personal information, unauthorized access of a government computer and other crimes.

"People have been acting out in ways that really is inappropriate," Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said. "The polarity we have right now and the way people are responding to it, let's face it, the nation is very, very divided. People are resentful and angry."