Rep. Carson Increases Security in Light of Giffords Attack

Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN), one of two African-American Muslim members of Congress, is increasing his security following the attack on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ).

"Part of this is making sure we can do what we need to do to protect the Congressman and staff," said spokesman Justin Ohlemiller. "And part of this is protecting constituents who interact with the Congressman as well."

Ohlemiller would not elaborate on the steps being taken. He did say that Carson's office has spoken with the Department of Homeland Security but would not say whether the U.S. Capitol Police were involved.

Carson and Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), a civil rights figure who was beaten by the Alabama State Police during the March to Selma, were the targets of racial slurs as they walked between a House office building and the U.S. Capitol the day before the House approved the health care reform law last spring.