TPMDC

House Sergeant At Arms: ‘No Indication’ Shooting Was ‘Part Of Any Larger Threat Against Congress’

Jillian Rayfield January 8, 2011, 8:57 PM

The House Sergeant at Arms Bill Livingood sent an e-mail to all House staff, informing them of safety measures being taken in the wake of the mass shootings that occurred today in Arizona that included Dem Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot in the head.

“At this time, there is no indication that this incident is part of any larger threat against Congress or has a nexus to terrorism,” he wrote.

Here’s the full text:

As local and national law enforcement authorities continue to investigate the tragic incident which took place in Arizona today, I would like to make you aware of the following measures which are being taken in conjunction with the U.S. Capitol Police:
* U.S. Capitol Police are directly involved in the investigation and are working with local and national law enforcement authorities.
* At this time, there is no indication that this incident is part of any larger threat against Congress or has a nexus to terrorism.
* We will continue to review our security posture and make adjustments as necessary.

I strongly urge Members and staff to be continuously aware of their surroundings and to immediately report circumstances that appear suspicious to your local law enforcement agency and then to the U.S. Capitol Police Threat Assessment Section at (…). The Threat Assessment Section continuously monitors sources and circumstances for indications of threatening, unusual interest, or unlawful activity directed toward Members of Congress. It is extensively networked with a multitude of federal, state and local law enforcement resources.

It is essential that each District Office establish communication with local law enforcement. The local agency should be informed of your District Office address and the Member’s residential address. Most agencies will provide additional attention to those locations upon request. The Threat Assessment Section can also assist in contacting the appropriate agency.

If you are scheduled to be in a public forum (town hall meetings, rallies, etc.), and feel uncertain about your safety, immediately contact the U.S. Capitol Police Threat Assessment Section or the Sergeant at Arms.

As always, my office is available to answer questions or provide any assistance you may require. You may contact the office at (…). Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of this senseless tragedy.

Bill Livingood
House Sergeant at Arms