In the wake of the terrible assassination attempt on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and the murder and assaults on so many of her constituents, some members of Congress are talking openly about their concerns for their safety and security. While this incident seems to clearly be the work of an insane individual without rational motivation (other than an obsession with Giffords which dates back several years), concerns about the safety of members of Congress for any future attacks will remain a topic of significant discussion in the weeks and months to come.

As anyone will tell you who has worked on Capitol Hill, members of the House and Senate only receive a security detail if they become members of leadership. Thus, for most members, their protection is their own responsibility. Oftentimes, particularly for newly elected politicians, it’s only after receiving threats that members engage in due diligence or choose to carry a firearm for self-defense. They count on local law enforcement for their only security, and most officers are already too overburdened with their daily tasks to help protect roving politicians.