Last week, a group of over two dozen protesters staged a mock funeral procession at the home of House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil, a Republican from Wisconsin. Dressed in black and ringing cowbells, the demonstrators carried a faux coffin adorned with an epitaph, which they ultimately placed at Steil’s doorstep. Among them was Ellen Holly, the former chairwoman of the Walworth County Democratic Party, who was seen in video footage walking toward Steil’s front door alongside other local activists. The protest was organized by the Southern Wisconsin Grassroots Network and the Working Families Party, aiming to draw attention to Steil’s policies.
The organizers, cautious about police involvement, declared on a Facebook Live broadcast that they would not linger at the site to avoid attracting law enforcement’s attention. After the coffin was placed, the protesters were filmed crossing Steil’s yard, seemingly disregarding the pathway, while some even posed for photos in front of his house. A subsequent social media post from another group included a picture of the staged coffin and its accompanying message. One commentator even called for Steil’s home address, emphasizing the increasingly personal nature of political protests.
This incident has been reported to U.S. Capitol Police (USCP), but it remains unclear if any protesters are facing potential legal action. Steil expressed his disappointment in Democratic leadership, stating that such tactics were unproductive and would not deter his commitment to addressing the country’s issues. Ravi Mangla, the National Press Secretary for Working Families Power, countered that Steil’s policies posed a greater danger than their demonstration, pointing out that millions could lose essential healthcare due to his voting record.
The concern over security in Congress has risen sharply, with a staggering 93.8% increase in reported threats compared to the previous year. Steil’s role as chair of the Committee on House Administration tasks him with managing safety measures for Congress members, particularly amid the growing political climate of intimidation. In response to these threats, Congress has recently approved increased funding for member security measures, raising the Member Security Allotment and enhancing monitoring funds significantly.
The call for protests continued, urging constituents to attend Steil’s upcoming town hall meeting in person. Organizers promoted a message of “Good Trouble Lives ON!” on social media, reflecting the ongoing push for activism among Democratic and liberal groups. This movement is supported not only by grassroots organizations but also by dark money groups, indicating a broad coalition seeking to influence local governance and policy.
As political tensions mount and safety concerns escalate, both sides of the aisle are acknowledging the pressing need for dialogue and enhanced security measures. Steil, while committed to his legislative responsibilities, faces growing scrutiny and protests that illustrate a deepening divide in political discourse. The situation encapsulates the precarious balance between activism and safety in contemporary American politics, as well as the potential consequences of deepening partisanship.
