Local veteran talks Chattanooga shooting, need for heightened security
The attack on servicemen in Chattanooga, Tennessee Thursday hit close to home for Army veteran Harvey Krasner and his partner Sharlyn Marsh.
“I think it’s despicable. It only to proves to me we’re at war,” said Krasner.
“It was devastating, just devastating,” saud Marsh. “We send our military to foreign countries to fight for us and to have them killed here it’s very hard to see.”
The deadly shooting spree sounded alarms regarding security measures at recruiting offices across the country and in the Coachella Valley.
Sgt Erica B. Kirsop USMC, a representative for the Palm Desert recruiting office sent us the following statement.
“We have reviewed and made necessary adjustments to our force protection conditions at all recruiting sites. Each site is unique and specific. For example, some recruiting offices throughout the country are in federal buildings, where armed security exists. Other recruiting stations are in more public venues, such as shopping malls and office centers. Due to operational security reasons, it would not be appropriate to discuss specific force protection measures at our recruiting stations or offices. The safety of our Marines is a top concern of ours, and we will continue to remain vigilant, proactive, and unpredictable in order to thwart potential incidents.”
“They have to wear uniforms and it’s like putting a target on their backs,”
The military couple in Rancho Mirage said more needs to be done to protect those who protect us.
“I think if all the service men have their weapons with them. It would be a big deterrent from something like this happening again,” said Kranser.
“They’re certainly targets and they should be able to protect themselves. They’ve been trained. They’re professionals. To leave them out with no artillery it’s difficult,” said Marsh.
The Army’s top officer said there are legal issues involved in allowing troops at the centers to carry guns and that those forces will always be a bit vulnerable because the centers need to be open and accessible to the public.
