Dear Friends,
Like all of you, I was shocked and saddened Saturday upon hearing the news of the senseless act of violence in Tucson that killed six and wounded 14. This horrific act against a servant of the public and innocent civilians has no place in our society. My thoughts and prayers are with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, her family and staff, and the other victims and their families.
The Human Tragedy
By now we are all familiar with those killed in the Tucson community last Saturday: U.S. District Judge John Roll, Congressional staffer Gabriel Zimmerman, Dorothy Morris, Dorwin Stoddard, Phyllis Schneck, and 9-year-old Christina Taylor Green. Please keep their families in your thoughts and prayers as they grieve their personal losses and as justice is sought in federal and state court.
Please also remember Congresswoman Giffords and her family as they face an unknown and difficult recovery.
The National Tragedy
On the Thursday before the shooting, Congresswoman Giffords participated in reading the Constitution on the House floor as we began the 112th Congress. It fell to her to read the First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Two days later, she was personally affirming the First Amendment: allowing her constituents to meet her face-to-face and tell her their thoughts and opinions. All but one came to do just that; but because of the actions of that one, 20 innocent people were victimized.
Our democracy cannot work if people do not feel safe meeting their Representative or if Representatives are sitting targets of assassination attempts. Likewise, our democracy cannot work if people feel as though their Representative is not accessible because of overly restrictive security measures.
Clearly a reevaluation of our security measures is needed. In my capacity as Chairman of the House Administration Committee, I am responsible for overseeing the Capitol Police and Member security. I have consulted with Capitol Police about security in Washington, DC and the coordination with district offices to make sure all of our staffs are educated on appropriate measures of awareness and prevention. I will also encourage Members to develop a healthy relationship with their local law enforcement agencies. City police and county sheriffs have always been present in some form at my public forums, which protects my constituents, my staff, and myself. I will seek to standardize a model of cooperation between Congressional offices and local law enforcement agencies so that other Members of Congress will feel comfortable requesting assistance at public forums as well as calling for help when threatening or suspicious circumstances arise in the office, at home, or in public.
Tragedies and threats cannot be allowed to stop our democratic process. The House will resume business soon and it is my hope and prayer that Congresswoman Giffords will be able to return speedily to the House representing Arizona’s 8th District. I also hope you will attend future town hall events in California’s Third District. We will return to our democratic process with a keener awareness of the awesome responsibility we have to conduct vigorous debate with civility.
May God bless the victims and their families.
Sincerely,
Daniel E. Lungren
Member of Congress
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