A Minnesota state lawmaker was assassinated in an allegedly "politically motivated" attack on Saturday. Utah leaders said there has been an uptick of verbal threats against lawmakers in the state. Utah officials of both parties condemned divisive rhetoric that can lead to political violence.

Lawmakers are pushing congressional leaders to take greater steps to ensure their safety as they confront the growing risk of violence.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Violence and fear swept through towns in an arc around Minneapolis for more than 40 hours over the weekend as a man seemingly intent on sowing political devastation killed one Minnesota state lawmaker and left another bleeding from nine bullet wounds.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate will gather behind closed doors Tuesday to hear from federal law enforcement officials about protection for lawmakers and the safety of their families, just days after a gunman said to be posing as a police officer targeted state lawmakers in Minnesota.