Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Ala., said Thursday lawmakers are familiar with the risks associated with being a politician, which includes being "the very first target."
Brooks appeared on "Fox & Friends" and spoke about Wednesday's shooting at a Republican baseball practice that left House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., and three others wounded.
"We had a number of threats that very same month [former Rep.] Gabby Giffords was shot in Arizona," Brooks said of the 2011 incident. "So, we're well-versed on the risks out there and what we need to do to minimize the opportunity for bad guys, whether it be lone wolves or terrorist attacks, to minimize the loss of life.
"We recognize we're going to be the first target, we as congressman. The key is to make sure there is security there who can perhaps stop the second, third, or fourth shot before innocent bystanders get killed, as was the case with Gabby Giffords."
Rep. Dave Brat, R-Va., said security needs to be beefed up around lawmakers at town halls, which have been rowdy in recent months.
"You've got 1,000 folks, people that want to give you their views as constituents, etc., but the security thing now is going to be ramped up to a new level," said Brat, according to The Hill. "If it takes just one person that's just off the rails on a certain day, it's just not good."
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