WSAZ - News Charleston - Headlines

Sen. Joe Manchin Discusses Security and Political Peace of Mind

Updated: Mon 7:21 PM, Jan 10, 2011

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- In light of a congresswoman being severely injured in a mass shooting in Arizona, some elected officials may be a little apprehensive about public events. That isn't the case for U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W Va.

Despite the shooting that killed six people and injured several others, Manchin proceeded with his "Call for Common Sense" tour that kicked off Monday.

Not only will the tour continue, but there's really no push to increase security either.

On Monday, Manchin and the rest of the country put all business aside for a moment of silence to remember those killed or injured in the shooting. Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford is still in the hospital.

"Congresswoman Gifford, her family and all of those injured and their families -- our hopes and prayers are with them every minute of every day," Manchin said.

Manchin understands the risk of public appearances, starting his "Call for Common Sense" tour just days after the shooting. The trip throughout West Virginia includes several public events where security will be conducted as usual.

"When we're out in our state, moving around different communities, the proper authorities are notified. I have all the confidence in the world in them. I always have," Manchin said.

With no plans to tighten security, Manchin says true safety will come when the culture of politics takes a turn for the better.

"Everybody has concerns to a certain extent. But when you have a mad, deranged person that does something this horrific, it's time for us to reflect," Manchin said. "We have to learn the civility and practice it."


Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
powered by Disqus
Click here to send us your pictures and video pix@wsaz.com

Call To Check Road Conditions

  • WEST VIRGINIA: (877) 982-7623
  • KENTUCKY: (866) 737-3767
  • OHIO:Click here

Click here for online road conditions

WSAZ.com Sponsor Sections & Links

Download the WSAZ First Warning Weather App to your iOS or Android devices. It's FREE, sponsored by St Mary's Medical Center.
SOMC-Very good things are happening here
Very good things are happening here. Click here to learn more
Click here for closing and delays
Click here for school closings and delays. Sponsored by Buckeye Hills Career Center.
West Virginia Lottery nightly @ 6:59pm on WSAZ click here for numbers and drawings
Check out the WV Lottery HD Weather Cameras here. Watch the Lottery Live Monday - Saturday @ 6:59pm on WSAZ NewsChannel 3.
Ohio Lottery
Watch the Ohio Lottery Drawings weeknights @ 7:29pm and Cash Explosion Saturday @ 7:30pm on WSAZ NewsChannel 3.
Making Moms LIfe Easier - with Diane Dimoff
Follow @MomsEveryday daily video tips from the experts about health, money, family fun, and more!
WSAZ Children's Charitable Foundation
Remember WSAZ Children's Charities as we end the year. Click here to donate. Thank you.
A WSAZ Salute to...
Join us as we salute our communities, fairs and festivals. Scheduled are Pikeville, KY, Mason Co, WV. Jackson Co, WV, Logan, WV, Putnam Co, WV, South Charleston, WV, Barboursville, WV, Milton, WV, Paintsville, KY, Gallipolis, OH
WSAZ NewsChannel 3 645 Fifth Avenue Huntington, WV 25701 304-697-4780 WSAZ Charleston 111 Columbia Avenue Charleston, WV 25302 304-344-3521
Gray Television, Inc. - Copyright © 2002-2013 - Designed by Gray Digital Media - Powered by Clickability
User Agent: CCBot/2.0 - 113238289