Area members of Congress say they want to be safe but not at the expense of cutting off constituents in reaction to the Jan. 8 shootings in Arizona.
“I am elected by the citizens of Georgia, and it is important for elected officials to remain accessible to our constituents,” U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., said in an e-mailed statement. “An additional security bubble would put up a barrier and make us less accessible. We can’t let that happen.”
On Wednesday, Congress’ chief law enforcement officers briefed lawmakers on security issues after Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona was shot and severely wounded at a public forum in Tucson. The gunman killed six people in the rampage.
Sergeant-at-Arms Bill Livingood offered security advice such as coordinating with local authorities when elected officials hold public events in their districts, according to The Associated Press.
Isakson took one of the stronger positions among local congressmen, saying that, while the shootings are disturbing, “we cannot let this stop democracy.”
On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, a Democrat from Memphis, told a West Tennessee television station he is planning to renew his handgun permit in light of the attack.
He told reporters he’s wished a time or two he had a gun and said, “I just want to have that option, and it’s a good option for people to have.”
Jordan Powell, press secretary for U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn., said the office is working to schedule constituent meetings and public events. He predicted that the first few meetings might have a different tone than if Giffords had not been attacked.
“I think that, for quite some time, the event will be on people’s minds,” said Powell.
But Fleischmann echoed Isakson and other leaders, saying lawmakers cannot let security concerns stand between representatives and the people who elected them.
“Chuck does believe it’s important to stay open to his constituents, and he will continue to do so,” said Powell.
Staff with U.S. Sens. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and Bob Corker, R-Tenn., declined to comment on changes to security. A spokeswoman for Corker said the former Chattanooga mayor would continue to be very accessible.
Speaking in Chattanooga last week, Corker said he still feels safe meeting with constituents.
“People’s anger is higher than at any point I’ve seen,” Corker said. “Sometimes people try to act out a little bit. But never do I feel any sense of security concerns.”
John Donnelly, a spokesman for Rep. Tom Graves, R-Ga., said Graves has no plans to change his normal routine for personal or official functions. Security procedures for offices and events are being reviewed “for any necessary updates,” Donnelly said.
Robert Jameson, communications director for Rep. Scott DesJarlais, R-Tenn., said his boss is not taking additional precautions, but said the office will coordinate with local police to alert authorities to public appearances.
“I think we’re going to look at it on a case-by-case basis,” Jameson said. “The congressman has no plans to wall himself off.”
Staff writer Dave Flessner and The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Contact staff writer Andy Johns at ajohns@timesfreepress.com or call 423-757-6324.