WORCESTER, Mass. - Threats against elected leaders are a growing concern for Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey (D). 

While in Worcester this week, Markey said the number of threats against members of congress and their families in recent years is "skyrocketing." He said some have actually turned into violence. 

His remarks come after Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi's husband, Paul Pelosi, was assaulted in his California home. Markey said the temperature needs to be lowered in the country.

"Elected officials and their families who are being threatened and potentially something very, very tragic can in fact occur in this country," Markey said. "It is imperative for Democrats and Republicans to come together in order to say this is unacceptable. But unfortunately, online and on cable TV on a daily basis, there is hatred that is spewed into our political system."

Markey said a belief of a corrupt government by some people is partially to blame and he believes the Pelosi attack could be just one example if the situation isn't improved.