Senate Sergeant At Arms: Lawmakers Shouldn’t Arm Themselves Following Tucson Attack

Terrance Gainer, the Senate’s Sergeant at Arms is skeptical of some congressional members’ plans to respond to Saturday’s shootings in Tucson by carrying concealed weapons while in their districts.

“I think we ought to leave the law enforcement security to those professionals,” Gainer said during an interview Tuesday with Good Morning America.

Added Gainer, “I’ve been a policeman for 42 years, and I don’t think introducing more guns to the situation helpful. I think there’s other ways to address the homicide problem in the United States and in these districts.”

The security for members of Congress has been brought to the forefront after a gunman opened fire on an event with Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) this weekend, leaving the Congresswoman in critical condition and six others dead.

To protect themselves, Gainer suggested congressional offices coordinate with local police before holding events, explaining that if police forces are given adequate information then they can determine the level of needed security.

Representatives Heath Schuler (D-N.C.) and Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) have both announced that they plan to carry concealed firearms within their districts. Schuler has also said that he will urge his staff to do the same.