FBI investigating threats against lawmakers following passage of health care bill

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said more than 10 Democratic lawmakers had reported incidents.

In one of the cases, a coffin was placed on Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-Mo.) lawn. Earlier Rep. Tom Perriello’s (D-Va.) brother’s gas lines were cut, Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) received death threats and Rules Committee Chairwoman Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.) received a warning saying snipers were being assigned to kill children of those who voted in favour of the health care overhaul.

The FBI, the U.S. Capitol Police and the House Sergeant at Arms briefed lawmakers, behind closed doors, on how to handle security threats.

All threats and incidents targeting members of Congress were taken seriously and being investigated, FBI's Washington field office said in a statement.

The statement added that the Capitol Police and other law enforcement agencies also were investigating to identify and bring to justice those responsible.