Pelosi calls armed Republicans in Congress 'the enemy within,' accuses them of threatening Democrats

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday blasted Republican members of Congress who want to carry weapons as "the enemy within," claiming that some lawmakers have "threatened violence" on other members.

Pelosi also requested additional funds for more security amid what she claimed are increasing threats to lawmakers' safety.

"We will probably need a supplemental for more security for members when the enemy is within the House of Representatives," she conceded at her press conference on Capitol Hill Thursday.

Asked to specify who she meant by the "enemy within," Pelosi said, "It means that we have members of Congress who want to bring guns onto the floor and have threatened violence on other members of Congress."

Pelosi was referring to GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who, before she was a member of Congress, "liked" posts on Facebook expressing support for executing top Democrats, including Pelosi.

In addition, Pelosi was referring to lawmakers who have concealed carry permits and want to bring weapons into the Capitol.

GOP Rep. Andy Harris of Maryland is reportedly being investigated for attempting to bring a gun onto the House floor last week. While lawmakers are allowed to carry guns to their offices, they must be stored safely and are not allowed in the House chamber. 

Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado also has demanded to carry her gun in the Capitol, and GOP Rep. Madison Cawthorn claimed he was armed during the violent riot in the Capitol on Jan. 6. Afterward, Pelosi set up metal detectors to keep members from bringing weapons into the chamber. Violators face a $5,000 fine. But Republicans argue they have a right to bear arms. 

"Several members of Congress wrote to Pelosi and other House leaders on Thursday, asking for the flexibility and funds to hire armed guards and upgrade security measures in their districts as they are terrified of threats against them," The Daily Mail wrote Thursday.

"Reflecting the tense and troubling times we live in, Members of Congress have reported receiving a significant uptick in threats of violence and even death," says the letter, a copy of which was obtained by DailyMail.com.

The letter says the internet has made private information — including home addresses, photos, personal details about lawmakers' families, and real-time information on lawmaker attendance at events — readily available, which could put them at risk.

The lawmakers are asking for more funding to their Member Representational Allowance — the taxpayer money lawmakers receive to run their offices — and for greater ability to use the money for security, especially when they are in their home districts.

"While the U.S. Capitol is protected by the United States Capitol Police with the support of strong security measures, including vehicle barriers and metal detectors, most Members spend the majority of their time in their Congressional Districts where security is often sparse," the lawmakers note.