The headline read “I’m a member of Congress. I’m going to start carrying a gun.” The editorial, penned by U.S. Rep. Chris Collins, R-N.Y., ran in The Washington Post and was a common-sense reaction to the politically motivated shooting last week in Alexandria, Va., that left House Majority Whip Steve Scalise seriously wounded.
While “we’ll continue debating” what caused this horrible act, Collins declares that “here’s what’s not up for debate: From now on, I’ll be exercising my Second Amendment right to carry a firearm as I travel my district.” He went on to commend Capitol Police for their heroic bravery that saved lives, but also stated that “self-defense is my responsibility, too.”
Collins said his father taught him responsible gun ownership and noted that he’s been a concealed-carry permit holder for years. “Now, more than ever, I truly believe that the best place to be, during a terrible episode like the one in Alexandria, is next to a good guy with a gun,” he wrote.
