State Rep. Brad Touchstone discusses Virginia shooting

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpxG8Ddh3o4

HATTIESBURG, MS. - The entire country is in shock after the Virginia shooting that targeted and injured political lawmakers during a baseball practice Wednesday.

State Representative Brad Touchstone was at home when he received a text from a colleague regarding the incident.

“Any of us that are really in the process being involved with lawmaking or policy making need to be cognizant with security" said Rep. Touchstone.

He added, “And we deal with some very controversial topics in Jackson just like they do in Washington, and I see no reason why we should not be equally cognizant over our safety and our security.”

According to FOX news, "A gunman believed to be a supporter of former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders sprayed a hail of bullets at a GOP baseball practice Wednesday morning, critically wounding House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and injuring four others before U.S. Capitol Police took down the rifle-wielding assailant."

Rep. Touchstone said its troubling that political affiliations can be a threat to someone else. “We have reached a point in politics today where that is something that we have to be mindful of.”

He said he feels safe with the protection he receives at the state capitol. However, with outdoor gatherings, he is extra cautious of his surroundings.

“It is important that we know how to protect ourselves, I personally have a concealed carried permit."

He added, "I feel confident that I am usually prepared to defend myself. But it definitely is a stark reminder that these threats exist with policy makers.”

Rep. Touchstone hopes the tragic incident sheds light among all political parties.

“This definitely calls for everybody to reevaluate their security protocol to make sure that we are taking at least reasonable efforts to make sure that we are all safe" he said.

Mississippi Congressman Steven Palazzo tweeted he was "fine and safe".

"Please pray for my colleagues and any staff and their families who were involved in this morning's shootings" said Congressman Palazzo.