Rep. Chris Collins, R-N.Y., said he plans to carry a handgun at public events following Wednesday morning’s shooting in Alexandria, Va.
“If you look at the vulnerability, I can assure you from this day forward — I have a carrier permit. I will be carrying when I’m out and about,” Collins said in an interview with Buffalo’s WKBW.
LISTEN: @RepChrisCollins says he’ll carry a handgun at public events moving forward. #VAshooting @WKBW @ABC pic.twitter.com/3Im9bUtiiM— Ali Touhey (@Ali2e) June 14, 2017
Collins said despite having a permit that allows him to carry his handgun, he’d only carry on occasion or leave it in his glovebox.
“But it’s going to be in my pocket from this day forward,” he said.
A gunman opened fire on House and Senate Republicans practicing for Thursday’s annual congressional baseball game.
The shooter was reported to be James Hodgkinson of Belleville, Ill. President Trump said in a news conference he died.
Five people were shot, including Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., and two Capitol Police officers, identified as Krystal Griner and David Bailey.
The other two injured were identified as Zach Barth, a staffer for Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, and Matt Mike, a lobbyist for Tyson Foods.
Scalise was shot in the hip and underwent surgery Wednesday morning.
