AUSTIN -- For some members of Travis County’s legislative delegation, Thursday’s gunfire at the State Capitol underscores the need for more security there; for other legislators, some tourists and the governor, tightened security should be undertaken with great care.
”You know, there are things that happen in the world. In the United States we're as safe as we can be,” said Capitol Tourist Jennifer Bryan, who was able to walk through the very same doors as the accused gunman without passing through a metal detector.
Metal detectors are in place outside of the House and Senate chambers only when the Legislature is in session. State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez, D-Austin, believes they should now be permanently installed at the entrances of the Capitol.
"That happens during the session, and I don’t see why that shouldn’t happen year-round. This is one of the most popular places to visit in the entire State of Texas,” he said.
He also thinks legislators should consider changes to the law which allows Texans to carry permitted, concealed weapons into the Capitol.
Rodriguez would likely run into opposition from fellow State Rep. Mark Strama, D-Austin, who remembers the last debate over guns at the Capitol.
“To say were going to let you carry a concealed weapon everywhere, but you can’t carry one here where we work -- the hypocrisy just overwhelmed the argument, and I suspect that hypocrisy would prevent anybody from passing a law in the coming session,” Strama explained.
Strama also opposes permanent metal detectors.
“They create a line, it slows down the ability of people to go in and watch the proceedings at the Capitol, it’s a genuine inconvenience and it’s going to keep some people from coming and watching what we do,” he said.
Governor Rick Perry told reporters Texans should be allowed to bring guns into the Capitol.
He also says metal detectors aren't needed.
“I'm always up for looking at new ways to protect citizens, but the last thing I want is to see the Texas Capitol turn into DFW Airport,” Perry said.
DPS wouldn't comment on any specific details concerning what they do or don't do to keep the Capitol secure.
