House majority leader Eric Cantor on Saturday called for the postponement of all legislation slated to be considered this week, including a vote to repeal the health-care reform law, “so that we can take whatever actions may be necessary in light of today’s tragedy.”
Representative Cantor, a Jewish American, has himself been the target of threats in the past, he revealed last March after police in Philadelphia arrested a man accused of sending him death threats. A federal judge initially declared Norman LeBoon incompetent to stand trial, but Mr. LeBoon later pleaded guilty to two counts and is due to be sentenced in February. He faces up to 15 years imprisonment, three years supervised release, and a fine of up to $500,000.
“I've received threats since I assumed elected office not only because of my position, but also because I'm Jewish," said Mr. Cantor, a Republican, on March 25.
In a statement Sunday he said, “For now, it is my recommendation that all members of the House who can, return to Washington to honor those who have fallen and to receive any necessary security briefings from the US Capitol Police."
