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Security expert suggests politicians get concealed carry permit

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The shooting in Virginia has many public officials taking another look at their own security.

“Shock and awe," State Sen. Joel Ford said, reacting to the news.

A gunman targeted congressmen in Virginia Wednesday, shooting four people before being killed by Capitol police.

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"It's not until an incident like this happens that I take a pause and realize this can be a very dangerous job," Ford said.

Ford feels it's getting more dangerous as the country becomes more divided. He's calling on elected officials to unite the public.

"Not stir up this political divisiveness, which is brewing in people and which you can see has the deadly effect of coming out," said Ford.

[RELATED: Congressional baseball shooting highlights security needs for lawmakers]

Outside of security at the national and state capitals, lawmakers said they don't have any protection. And security expert Lee Ratliff said the government may not have the resources to protect everyone.

"I think it's probably more important for them to take a lot of their security measures in their own hands," Ratliff said, who is a former CMPD officer and owner of a security firm.

Ratliff said public officials should invest in their own security, scout locations for public events, consider plainclothes security and a concealed carry permit.

"In this day in age with the terrorism and rising crime, it needs to be part of their budget," Ratliff said.

(GRAPHIC VIDEO WARNING: Gunman shoots at lawmakers during congressional baseball practice)

When Ford first took office he took safety courses with Ratliff. Now he said he is more aware of his surroundings and carries a gun.

Ford said that growing security concerns won't change the way he engages the public, but he also wants to make it home.

"I'm a husband and a father," Ford said.

Eyewitness News contacted several other lawmakers from Mecklenburg County. Rep. Rodney Moore said he has former police officers blend in with the crowd at his events.

Channel 9 also talked to terrorism expert Ross Bulla about the idea of providing individual security to lawmakers. He said it would be nearly impossible logistically.

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