Security Tight As U.S. Reps. Sworn In
FT. LAUDERDALE (CBS4) - Security was tight at the federal courthouse in Ft. Lauderdale Monday morning as three members of Congress from Broward and Palm Beach counties, along with several federal judges, were sworn into office.
Mounted Ft. Lauderdale police officers kept watch over those that crowded into the courtyard for the ceremony. Broward Sheriff's deputies assisted in securing the building's entrances.
The increased security was put in place in light of the shooting in Arizona which left Rep. Gabrielle Giffords seriously injured and six other people dead.
As sheriff's deputies scanned the crowds and nearby buildings with binoculars; U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-Weston), Ted Deutch (D-Boca Raton) and Frederica Wilson (D-Miami) were sworn into office for another term.
Marie Drago said initially she had concerns about security, but once she got to the courtyard and saw all the officers; she felt much better. For those taking part in the ceremony, they said the security is needed.
"After what happened over the weekend, it's not surprising that, this being the first big public event, there would be some extra precautions taken," said Deutch.
Representative Wasserman-Schultz pointed out that more important than her own safety was the safety of all the people who come out to see her and take part in government.
"We wanted to make sure we had this event today so we could send a message to the public, specifically that they should not ever have to worry about their safety or security or fear attending an event with a member of congress," said Wasserman-Schultz.
Safety was especially a concern of Wasserman-Schultz supporter Diane Heinz as she listened to the choir from Manatee Bay Elementary School, which was singing for the event.
"We had an elementary school here!" said Heinz. "What if somebody crazed watched this on television, decided they wanted to copy cat and we had these little kids from Mantee Elementary? That would be horrible."
Judge Rosemary Barkett of the U.S. Court of Appeals administered the ceremonial oath to all three members of Congress.
