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WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. Capitol Police are investigating a reported threat against Rep. Todd Akin, the Missouri congressman who has been criticized for comments he made recently about rape.

A spokeswoman, Lt. Kimberly Schneider, says there is "an active, open investigation" into a reported threat against the Republican lawmaker. She added that she could not discuss details regarding security of members of Congress.

Akin, who is running for the U.S. Senate, caused a stir when he said in a television interview Sunday that women's bodies have ways of preventing pregnancies in cases of what he called "legitimate rape." He has apologized repeatedly and has said he misspoke, and has refused demands by top Republicans that he withdraw from the Senate race.

Steve Taylor, a staff member for Congressman Akin sent out the following statement Thursday: "I can verify that the Capitol police are working with an outside law enforcement agency regarding threatening contact with our official office. The office of Congressman Akin has received threats of rape of his official staff, family and the Congressman himself along with suggestions that individuals should die."