Matthew Parker, CEO of Independent Security Advisors, LLC, has been active on LinkedIn, has several executive protection seminars coming up and in a recent piece, makes the case for increased dignitary protection in light of the ambush shooting in Alexandria, Va., where members of Congress were targeted:
With the June 14th shooting of Steve Scalise, the majority whip of the House of Representatives on an Alexandria Virginia ball field, the security, or lack thereof, of our elected officials has again been questioned.
This is not the first time a member of congress has been shot, Gabrielle Giffords was attacked on January 8, 2011. She was shot in the head outside a grocery store in Casas Adobes, Arizona during an open air event.
June Special: 50% Discount on an IFPO Individual or Corporate Membership
But what was different here was that Congressman Scalise’s Capitol Police security detail was present, and they exchanged fire with the gunman stopping further carnage.
Surprisingly in the aftermath of the attack many members of congress stated they did not want additional security as they felt it would prevent them from meeting with constituents, although they do acknowledge security is a concern.
One member, Massachusetts Congressman Democrat Michael E. Capuano, said during an interview with Boston Herald Radio “I will refuse and I think most will refuse to live in a glass house where we are untouchable,” “I don’t think that’s appropriate.” He was responding to the question of having security assigned to him.
Find out how YOU can become a Certified Protection Officer with the IFPO!
I can’t blame Congressman Capuano and the other members for feeling this way, there is an uneducated perception that a security detail is somehow restrictive, and may prevent an elected official from “getting out with the voters”.
Another issue raised by many is the demeanor of the security assigned to an official, their very presence and stern nature dissuades people from approaching their representative. Another factor is the conduct of security when dealing with the public. In fact look no further than the August 17, 2011 article entitled “Bachmann's bouncers: Unnecessary roughness” by Ben Smith and Jonathan Martin, (http://www.politico.com/story/2011/08/bachmanns-bouncers-unnecessary-roughness-061598) which chronicles the very behavior officials don’t want to be associated with.
Membership has its privileges! JOIN the IFPO and see the benefits!
But not all members are against increased security measures, in fact today in the article “House members want federal funds now to hire personal security” By Lindsay Wise http://www.sacbee.com/latest-news/article158308109.html It’s reported “House of Representatives lawmakers want $25,000 each to hire private security right away to protect them in their home districts”
Read the rest of the story here.
In May, prior to the Alexandria ambush, a prophetic Parker raised the issue of dignitary protection for elected officials, handing out a heavy dose of reality -- that it was only a matter of time before a rampaging "Lone Wolf" made good on their threats:
Shortly after the January 8, 2011 assassination attempt of Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford’s of Arizona, the CEO of ISA designed a training program to prepare local law enforcement to provide dignitary protection to their elected representatives. Before the incorporation of the company Mr. Parker conducted this training to local law enforcement in Virginia.
June Special: 50% Discount on an IFPO Individual or Corporate Membership
After his retirement from the US Armed Forces, and the start of the company, this five day course was taught from the University of Maryland Public Safety Training Academy. This was a free class that over 200 members of local law enforcement took advantage of, and many of those officers are now working close protection for their mayors, county executives and other officials.
Find out how YOU can become a Certified Protection Officer with the IFPO!
Since that 2011 attack, elected officials have received a record number of threats directed against them, their family’s and staff. If you supported the Affordable Health Care Act (Obama care) you received death threats and damage to your home or office. Then it was marriage equality, religious rights and so on. Our political process has been hijacked by those not willing to listen and debate, with anger fueled by the rhetoric of the extreme right and left wing media. And our elected officials now sit in the cross hairs of “Lone Wolf” extremists and organizations that are willing to use violence.
Membership has its privileges! JOIN the IFPO and see the benefits!
The most recent wave of anger and threats is coming against Rep Al Green the U.S. Representative from Texas's 9th congressional district, and others who favor impeachment of Pres Trump. Again, the political process our founding fathers envisioned is endangered by those who are unwilling to debate issues, but rather prefer hate, ignorance, and violence to honorable civil discourse.
Read the rest of the story here.
