After the tragic assassination of Minnesota state Representative Melissa Hortman, many current and former members of Congress are deeply worried about their safety. The country’s political climate has become more dangerous, and leaders are asking: how can we protect public officials in such tense times?
Rodney Davis, a former Republican Congressman from Illinois, understands this fear better than most. He survived a violent shooting at a congressional baseball practice in 2017, where Majority Leader Steve Scalise was seriously injured. Davis was standing at home plate when the gunman opened fire. This life-changing event has made Davis more alert and cautious — and he now carries a gun to protect himself and others.
A Chilling Reminder
The news of Rep. Hortman’s killing came exactly eight years after the baseball shooting. This strange timing brought back painful memories for Davis. He said it reminded him of watching friends suffer, wondering if they would survive.
He said,
“Some people believe they’re saving the world by hurting others. I still don’t understand that thinking — not then, and not now.”
Personal Safety After the Shooting
The 2017 attack changed how Davis lives his life, both in public and private.
- He carries a gun wherever allowed, even at small private events.
- He pays more attention to his surroundings, including during overseas trips.
- He regularly works with security officers to stay safe, even when abroad.
Davis said he now walks at the back of groups and keeps a close eye on his surroundings, something he never used to do before the attack.
Strong Support for the Second Amendment
Davis is a strong believer in the Second Amendment, which protects the right to carry firearms in the U.S. He says he began carrying a gun only after the shooting.
“I never wanted to feel helpless again,” he said.
In dangerous situations, he believes having the option to defend himself is necessary. He never had to wear a bulletproof vest, but he did increase coordination with local police at public events.
Security Threats Affect Families Too
The danger doesn’t stop at public events. Davis’s family has also been affected by threats:
- His wife and children once saw a sheriff’s car parked outside their home.
- He had to explain: “Someone threatened to blow my head off today, and we’re taking precautions.”
These situations show the emotional toll political violence takes not just on officials, but on their loved ones. Davis believes this is a serious reason why fewer people may want to run for office.
Improving Member Security
After the shooting, Davis became the top Republican on the House Administration Committee, which manages congressional security. He worked to strengthen cooperation between the Capitol Police and local law enforcement.
He noted that while most threats came when he was back home, he never had a personal security detail in Washington. One man even got a felony charge for threatening him — a move Davis believes helped stop future threats.
Fixing the Political Environment
Davis says improving security alone is not enough. The political environment also needs to change.
“We can’t keep treating people like villains just because they wear a red or blue shirt,” he said.
After the shooting, Davis gave a speech urging both Democrats and Republicans to stop demonizing each other. He said all leaders — past and present — should call out violent or dangerous language, no matter which party it comes from.
Final Thoughts: No Other Option
Davis says that calling out hate and working together is not just a choice — it’s a necessity.
“Is it possible? There’s no other option,” he concluded.
Daily news highlights like this remind us that the threat of political violence is real. Former officials like Rodney Davis offer a clear message: better security, better cooperation, and less hate are the only way forward.
Stay tuned for more Breaking News updates and safety insights from the world of politics.
