Member of Arizona House of Representatives

A Southern Arizona lawmaker says years of violent threats have transformed her home into something resembling a fortress, raising troubling questions about the personal cost of public service.

Arizona State Representative Alma Hernandez describes installing security cameras, reinforced locks, window bars, and floodlights after receiving repeated threats over her political positions.

Hernandez, whose sister Consuelo represents a legislative district that includes Bisbee, has faced harassment from both the political left and right.

Her brother even moved into her Tucson home to help protect her.