Alabama lawmakers concerned about Minnesota shootings

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – Alabama lawmakers, like politicians across the country, are saddened and stunned after hearing about the weekend shootings in Minnesota.

“It could have happened anywhere, but it was sad it happened at all,” said Alabama Republican Rep. Reed Ingram.

“When the country is divided the way it is now, this is the result of that,” said Alabama Democratic Rep. Kenyatta Hassell.

Hassell was not surprised about what happened in Minnesota. He says he has been threatened too during the recent legislative session.

“I brought legislation to gun safety laws, and I got death threats myself,” said Hassell.

At the time, he says, he didn’t take the messages too seriously. Now he and other colleagues are heightening security at home and removing much of their personal information online.

“Our law enforcement do a great job at the state house but at home that’s the scary part,” said Hassell.

Ingram says doesn’t feel any less safe than he did prior to this attack.

“I’m not going to change, and I don’t know of any representatives out there that are going to change because of the fear factor. We are going to make decisions and do what’s right for the people of the state of Alabama, and I hope Minnesota does the same,” said Ingram.

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