(WHTM)– New legislation proposed in Pennsylvania would allow candidates and officeholders to use campaign funds on professional security and related services.
The bill, introduced by State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Philadelphia, comes as a response to recent acts of political violence – most recently being the two assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump.
Kenyatta’s proposed bill would allow candidates for state office greater access to security services if necessary. It would also expand State Police protection to senior elected officials such as the speaker of the House, Senate pro-tempore, and state row officers.
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Kenyatta, who is currently running for Auditor General in November’s election, says he plans to introduce the bill next week and is searching for co-sponsors.
“From the shooting of former United States Representative Gabby Giffords in 2011 to the assassination attempts against former President Donald Trump this year in Pennsylvania and Florida, security threats to political candidates and public officeholders have only increased and have been targeted at Democrats and Republicans alike,” Kenyatta said. “Violence and intimidation should have absolutely no place in our politics. The increase in threats against elected leaders and candidates is an unacceptable attack on the very foundation of our democracy. It endangers lives, undermines the democratic process, and threatens the free and fair functioning of government at every level. We must confront this growing crisis with urgency.”