As a result of the Arizona shootings this weekend, at least two members of Congress say they will carry concealed weapons in their home districts.
Politico reports that Both Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) and Rep. Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) have what are called "carry and conceal" licenses. They will not be carrying their weapons in the District of Columbia because it is outlawed.
Shuler, whose office was the target of a bomb threat in 2009 said, "After the elections, I let my guard down. Now I know I need to have [my gun] on me. Were going to need to do a much better job with security at these events.
In speaking about the U.S. Marshalls Service, Chaffetz wondered if it could be called upon to do threat assessments for public meetings between a member of Congress and constituents. It certainly ought to be on the table, he said.
After the shooting of Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, Rep. Chaffetz received threats via Twitter which he has asked local police to investigate. It is precisely those departments, around the country that will most likely be tapped to provide some security for public events.
Even one police officer or private security guard that carries a weapon, could act as a deterrent to most acts of violence at small meetings. While it is impossible to prevent a determined killer from following through on a planned attack, especially if the person is mentally unstable, the number of killed and wounded might be reduced.
Other Congressional members have already begun to provide more security for their office staffers. For instance, Representative Darrel Issa (R-CA) has already installed a security touch pad outside his district office, which he says was the subject of a bomb threat in 2001.
Expect this to be the hottest topic of discussion this week in Washington, DC as members of Congress return from weekends in their districts.
I heard on XM patriot that they were going to or already had passed something to be able to carry while in session. I still have yet to be able to find it anywhere. Looks like the capitol of freedom outlaws it.
Politico reports that Both Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) and Rep. Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) have what are called "carry and conceal" licenses. They will not be carrying their weapons in the District of Columbia because it is outlawed.
Shuler, whose office was the target of a bomb threat in 2009 said, "After the elections, I let my guard down. Now I know I need to have [my gun] on me. Were going to need to do a much better job with security at these events.
In speaking about the U.S. Marshalls Service, Chaffetz wondered if it could be called upon to do threat assessments for public meetings between a member of Congress and constituents. It certainly ought to be on the table, he said.
After the shooting of Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, Rep. Chaffetz received threats via Twitter which he has asked local police to investigate. It is precisely those departments, around the country that will most likely be tapped to provide some security for public events.
Even one police officer or private security guard that carries a weapon, could act as a deterrent to most acts of violence at small meetings. While it is impossible to prevent a determined killer from following through on a planned attack, especially if the person is mentally unstable, the number of killed and wounded might be reduced.
Other Congressional members have already begun to provide more security for their office staffers. For instance, Representative Darrel Issa (R-CA) has already installed a security touch pad outside his district office, which he says was the subject of a bomb threat in 2001.
Expect this to be the hottest topic of discussion this week in Washington, DC as members of Congress return from weekends in their districts.
I heard on XM patriot that they were going to or already had passed something to be able to carry while in session. I still have yet to be able to find it anywhere. Looks like the capitol of freedom outlaws it.
