Ariz. Shooting May Change Congress Security Plans
WASHINGTON (WJZ) -- Why did he do it? The man accused of the deadly Arizona shooting made his first court appearance Monday as Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords continues to fight for her life after she was shot in the head.
Adam May explains the attack in Arizona could spark a national security change.
The attempted assassination of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is prompting many members of Congress to rethink their personal security and political rhetoric.
The president and first lady led a national moment of silence from the White House for Giffords and the other victims of the Arizona shooting.
"All of us are still grieving and in shock from the tragedy that took place," said President Barack Obama.
Lawmakers from each side of the aisle filled the steps of the Capitol to honor one of their own.
"To target Gabby Giffords is an attack on democracy," said Congressman Dutch Ruppersburger.
Maryland Congressman Dutch Ruppersburger and Giffords recently traveled to Iraq together. He says they expected security concerns there, but not back home.
"I'm not gonna change my personal security but I want security for my staff," he said.
Those procedures are under evaluation as Congressman Elijah Cummings reveals he gets two or three threats a month.
"I think we need to see this incident as a wake-up call for us," Cummings said.
Cummings and other members of the Maryland delegation are calling for a new age of civility in politics.
"We're asking everyone to tone down the rhetoric. We don't want to make assumptions about cause and effect but it's important we watch the words we use. Words have consequences," said Senator Ben Cardin.
"We can debate issues day and night, whether you're left or right, but we need to understand and be tolerant of other points of view in this country," Ruppersburger said.
We heard a lot of that heated rhetoric---even threats aimed at members of Congress during the health care debate. A repeal of that bill was scheduled to take place, but it's now been placed on hold.
