Threats Against North Carolina Lawmakers Increase

Security concerns rise after armed intrusion at Mar-a-Lago, prompting state to boost funding for legislative protection

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

North Carolina lawmakers say threats against them, from verbal harassment to armed confrontations, have grown more frequent in recent years. The weekend security breach at President Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort has put a spotlight on the issue, with state officials reporting a jump in threat incidents in 2025. The state legislature has approved $2.5 million in additional security funding for the North Carolina General Assembly complex in response.

Why it matters

The increase in threats against lawmakers highlights growing political polarization and the ease of access to weapons, creating a volatile environment for elected officials. Security experts say candidates and campaign officials also need to be aware of the heightened risks.

The details

North Carolina lawmakers have reported more frequent threats, from verbal harassment to stalkers to armed constituents. In one incident, an Asheboro raw-milk advocate was charged with bringing a concealed weapon to the state legislative complex. The legislature has approved $2.5 million in additional security funding, which is being used by the legislative services office and General Assembly Police for added measures.

  • In October 2025, North Carolina lawmakers approved $2.5 million in additional security funding for the state legislative complex.
  • In May 2025, an Asheboro raw-milk advocate was charged with bringing a concealed weapon to the state legislative complex.

The players

Destin Hall

Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives.

Sydney Batch

North Carolina State Senate minority leader.

Allison Dahle

North Carolina State Representative.

John Bell

North Carolina State Representative.

Scott Stewart

Senior Vice President at risk management consultancy TorchStone Global.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The legislative services office and General Assembly Police are still implementing the extra funding for security from last year. If they indicate going forward that we need to do more, the Speaker would be open to that conversation.”

— Neal Inman, Chief of Staff for House Speaker Destin Hall (WRAL)

“You watch your back, you might stay in the building, you might not go out, you know, you might not take a break outside in the fresh air.”

— Allison Dahle, North Carolina State Representative (WRAL)

“The campaign officials and the candidates themselves really need to be aware of what's going on. They need to be aware of this environment and really practice heightened awareness, any time that they're out in public.”

— Scott Stewart, Senior Vice President, TorchStone Global (WRAL)

What’s next

The judge in the case of the Asheboro raw-milk advocate will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the individual out on bail.

The takeaway

This increase in threats against lawmakers highlights the growing political polarization and the ease of access to weapons, creating a volatile environment for elected officials. Security experts say candidates and campaign officials also need to be aware of the heightened risks and practice heightened awareness when in public.