White House Seeks $58 Million Boost to Enhance Security After Fatal Shooting

The White House has requested $58 million to enhance security for the executive and judicial branches following the fatal shooting of conservative figure Charlie Kirk. According to a White House official, the administration is seeking the additional funding to bolster security measures in response to the shooting on September 20 at the University of Utah. The request will be included in an upcoming stopgap bill, which must be passed by Congress before the current federal spending law expires on September 30. The move comes after a recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and amid growing concerns about the safety of public officials. "We are taking a proactive approach to ensure the security of our personnel and facilities," said a White House spokesperson, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Punchbowl News was the first to report on the funding request, which has sparked debate among lawmakers and experts. Some have praised the administration's decision as a necessary step to protect public officials, while others have expressed concerns about the cost and potential impact on other government priorities. "This is a wake-up call for all of us," said Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), who chairs the House Oversight Committee. "We need to take a hard look at our security protocols and make sure we're doing everything we can to protect our members." Others have questioned whether the additional funding will be enough to address the growing threat of violence against public officials. "While I understand the need for increased security, $58 million is just a drop in the bucket compared to what's needed," said Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.). The shooting of Charlie Kirk has raised new fears about the safety of public officials, particularly after the assassination attempt on Donald Trump in 2021. The incident has also sparked renewed calls for greater security measures at public events and for lawmakers. The White House's request is part of a broader effort to enhance security for government personnel and facilities. In recent years, there have been several high-profile incidents involving violence against public officials, including the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. As Congress considers the funding request, lawmakers will also be weighing in on other proposals aimed at improving security for public officials. The House has already passed a bill to provide additional resources for protecting lawmakers, but its fate remains uncertain in the Senate. The White House's request is expected to face scrutiny from lawmakers and experts as it makes its way through Congress. *Reporting by Fortune.*