Shock waves in Arizona shooting aftermath reverberate in Washington

1:01 PM, Jan 10, 2011   |    comments
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print
  • - A A A +

WASHINGTON (NBC) -- Washington Representative Adam Smith said, "I and every other member of Congress has got to go right back out there, you know, tomorrow and the next day and make ourselves available to the public."

As flags fly at half-staff today before a moment of silence at 11 a.m., members of Congress are fully aware they, too, are at risk of being targeted.

Arizona Representative Trent Franks said, "She was out doing her job as a member of Congress, some deranged degenerate shot her down."

House Speaker John Boehner said, "An attack on one who serves is an attack on all who serves."

Now there is debate on whether the tone of politics may be leading to violence.

New York Representative Charlie Rangel said, "This type of vicious, inflammatory rhetoric doesn't help in situations like this."

Congress considers a resolution Wednesday honoring Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and the victims in Arizona. There will be no business or votes this week, including the much-anticipated health care repeal.

The vote now put off as Congress considers whether extra security is needed at public events.

Florida Representative Debbie Wasserman-Schultz said the presence of security would make her feel safe.

"At least a show of law enforcement so that we can make sure that my staff is protected."

No word on whether Capitol police plan to step up security here.