Police investigate threat to Rep. Schilling

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- U.S. Capitol Police said Thursday that they are investigating a reported threat made against Illinois Rep. Bobby Schilling.

The Republican's spokeswoman confirmed the threat and said Schilling is grateful for the "professionalism of local law enforcement in responding to this situation."

"After receiving a very concerning unusual email alert Tuesday evening, Rep. Schilling and his family are taking recommended precautions while the situation is investigated by relevant authorities," his spokeswoman, Andrea Pivarunas, said in a statement.

According to CNN affiliate WQAD-TV, Capitol Police and the FBI are investigating an online threat that offered a $75,000 reward for Schilling's assassination.

"I will pay $75,000 for ASSASSINATING Illinois Congresswoman (sic) Bobby Schilling and any US Congressman, US Senator and FBI, CIA and NSA DIRECTORS and their FAMILY MEMBERS regardless of their age," it read, WQAD reported.

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Capitol Police spokeswoman Sgt. Kimberly Schneider declined to comment on the exact nature of the threat but confirmed that authorities are looking into it.

"USCP is conducting an active investigation w/ the FBI re: this matter. USCP does not discuss the security of Members of Congress, and any communication between USCP and any Member of Congress is confidential," she wrote in an e-mail.

WQAD said the congressman has been asked to "lay low" and "not really go out in public."

"I'm pretty concerned. My wife is very concerned. It's a general threat to all members of Congress, but they specifically called my name out in the threat. You just don't know what people are thinking," Schilling said, WQAD reported. "It's something we're not going to take lightly."