Security After Tucson Tragedy: Sen. Cantwell Visit
TRI-CITIES — Senator Maria Cantwell was the first local congressional leader to email our newsroom about what happened in Arizona this weekend. Wednesday, she was also the first congressional leader to visit the Tri-Cities since the shooting.
Public events with congressional representative are for the most part typical with senators and representatives out in the open and pretty accessible.
In the past, you wouldn’t always see visible security at these events.
But after what happened to Representative Gabrielle Giffords and some of her constituents this weekend, we’re looking at new realities.
Organizers say they had to make several calls to make sure a security plan was in place for Senator Cantwell’s visit to the Red Lion in Pasco Wednesday night.
And there was a similar effort in Richland, where Senator Cantwell stopped by Delta High School Wednesday afternoon. KEPR Action News spotted several Richland Police.
Cantwell also told the media she's reviewing procedures with her office and D.C. capitol police to see if any safety improvements could be made, not just for her, but also for her staff.
With everything that’s happened, some students like Claudia Meno at Delta High School told Action News the Senator's visit to the Tri-Cities has special meaning.
“After what happened in Tucson, it's really an honor to meet her because with all the safety concerns that's going on right now, it's pretty risky,” said Meno.
Action News asked Senator Cantwell her reaction on learning that students had new appreciation for being able to talk to her.
"It's a time to remember that public discourse and the people who participate in trying to represent people do have a very challenging time. And so our hearts are with those family members and in continuing to show that we're going to be out there communicating with our constituents,” said Cantwell.
Senator Cantwell's address at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Reception at the Red Lion focused on small business job growth, immigration reform, and the DREAM act.
At Delta High School, Cantwell highlighted the need for more emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math courses.
If your child may be interested in attending Delta High, there are information nights coming up January 27 at KSD Admin Center and February 1st at the C.L. Booth Education Center in Richland.
Slots are limited. Only 100 freshmen will be accepted next year.
Public events with congressional representative are for the most part typical with senators and representatives out in the open and pretty accessible.
In the past, you wouldn’t always see visible security at these events.
But after what happened to Representative Gabrielle Giffords and some of her constituents this weekend, we’re looking at new realities.
Organizers say they had to make several calls to make sure a security plan was in place for Senator Cantwell’s visit to the Red Lion in Pasco Wednesday night.
And there was a similar effort in Richland, where Senator Cantwell stopped by Delta High School Wednesday afternoon. KEPR Action News spotted several Richland Police.
Cantwell also told the media she's reviewing procedures with her office and D.C. capitol police to see if any safety improvements could be made, not just for her, but also for her staff.
With everything that’s happened, some students like Claudia Meno at Delta High School told Action News the Senator's visit to the Tri-Cities has special meaning.
“After what happened in Tucson, it's really an honor to meet her because with all the safety concerns that's going on right now, it's pretty risky,” said Meno.
Action News asked Senator Cantwell her reaction on learning that students had new appreciation for being able to talk to her.
"It's a time to remember that public discourse and the people who participate in trying to represent people do have a very challenging time. And so our hearts are with those family members and in continuing to show that we're going to be out there communicating with our constituents,” said Cantwell.
Senator Cantwell's address at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Reception at the Red Lion focused on small business job growth, immigration reform, and the DREAM act.
At Delta High School, Cantwell highlighted the need for more emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math courses.
If your child may be interested in attending Delta High, there are information nights coming up January 27 at KSD Admin Center and February 1st at the C.L. Booth Education Center in Richland.
Slots are limited. Only 100 freshmen will be accepted next year.
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