State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-181) is no stranger to threats.
Kenyatta, an openly LGBTQ+ state representative and native North Philadelphian, has introduced a memo to Pennsylvania lawmakers to allow state representatives to use campaign funds – currently forbidden – for their security protections.
“We must send a clear, unified message: Political violence will never be tolerated – not here, not now, not ever,” Kenyatta said in a press release.
Federal officials are allowed to use campaign funds to pay for their personal security details “to address ongoing dangers or threats” because of their desire to run for – or hold federal office – the U.S. Federal Election Commission website said. State officials are not. Those who desire security services protection must currently pay for it themselves.
“When we live in a political environment teeming with threats, it’s hard for people to want to run for office when they know these are the kinds of things they are subjected to,” Kenyatta said.
The proposal comes after the arrest of a man accused of killing a Minnesota state legislator and her husband, NPR reported. Two others – a Minnesota lawmaker and his wife – remain in the hospital after surviving attacks and multiple gunshot wounds.
In April, Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Harrisburg mansion was severely damaged when a suspected arsonist broke into the home and set fire to it, forcing Shapiro, his family and guests to a Passover celebration to leave the property for their safety. While no reason for the attack has been made public, the suspect who has been charged admitted to “harboring hatred” toward Shapiro, AP News said, citing a police affidavit.
Kenyatta has been subjected to threats due to his lifestyle orientation since before he began serving as the youngest openly LGBTQ+ Black legislator elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
Minnesotans are reeling from the impact of the recent violence against elected officials. Before the attacks, the upper Midwestern state had managed to avoid much of the political divisiveness, violence and escalating tensions which mark the nation since Donald Trump took office in January for a second term, BBC reported Wednesday.
Kenyatta’s co sponsorship memo, should it move to a legislative bill and is adopted into law, would allow campaign funds to be used to pay for security services. The next step is for the concept to become a written bill which is circulated for consideration and debate.
“Let’s be clear: What happened in Minnesota wasn’t just tragic – it was a deliberate, evil act of political violence. And it should shake every one of us to our core,” Kenyatta said.
