By Bert Gambini
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-944551.mp3
Buffalo, NY – Congressman Brian Higgins called the weekend shootings in Tucson, Arizona senseless and shocking.
Higgins issued a statement shortly after the attack that killed 6 people and wounded more than a dozen others, including his colleague Gabrielle Giffords, who is in critical condition.
"Obviously, you know, there will be a reassessment of security and what measures individuals can take to make sure their safety is protected," said Higgins.
Higgins said the tragedy brings a painful awareness to the vulnerabilities of lawmakers who a fulfilling the basic duties of meeting with constituents and serving their community.
U.S. Senator Charles Schummer referred to the attack as an American tragedy. And extended his thoughts to the victims and their families. Schummer spoke to the press Sunday about Congressional security issues.
"Obviously, you know, there will be a reassessment of security and what measures individuals can take to make sure their safety is protected," said Schumer.
And in the Congressional district of Congress woman Louise Slaughter, Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster ordered hightened security to be provided around the office of Slaughter.
The full extent of the security detail has not been revealed, but increased police patrols will be on hand around the Pine Avenue location.
Slaughter's Niagara Falls office suffered damage last spring when a brick was thrown through one of the windows. A window at the Tuscon, Arizona district office of Gabrielle Giffords was broken at around the same time.