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‘We’re sitting ducks,’ council calls for tighter City Hall security

Posted at 8:20 PM, Apr 16, 2014
and last updated 2014-04-16 20:20:11-04

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) -- "It was pretty frightening what happened Monday night."

That's the reaction from 8th District Richmond City Council member Reva Trammell, following a chaotic scene at City Hall Monday night.

"There are many people that's against the government," Trammell said. "They are upset at how things are being done; they feel like their voices are not being heard."

Trammell tells CBS 6 that the confrontation between armed activist Chris Dorsey and Council liaison Steve Skinner should never have happened. And added that Dorsey being carried out of Council chambers by police was unnecessary.

Trammell is asking for tighter security and stricter enforcement of media credentials at all meetings.

"My concern is the children, the citizens, our staff and my colleagues; especially when we're sitting ducks," said Trammell.

In Henrico county, there's a heavy police presence at all of it's public meetings.

"You have an agenda," Henrico Sheriff Mike Wade said. "You know what the issues are going to be, the hot topics, what issues people are complaining about."

Sheriff Wade said several deputies are posted outside of county board meetings.

The public must go through metal detectors, and cameras are recording at all times for any outbursts or disruptions.

And in some cases plainclothes officers may be sitting in the audience monitoring the crowd.

"It doesn't bother me that the people come here with weapons because most of them are law abiding citizens. And it's their Second Amendment right. I'm more concerned with the disorderly people that come down," Sheriff Wade said.

We checked in with Chesterfield county.  The Sheriff's office handles security for all of its public meetings.

Lieutenant Eric Jones tells CBS 6 that two deputies are present at all times. But they will beef up manpower, there's a controversial issue slated for discussion.

Reva Trammell says she plans to bring up the issue of increasing police presence during her Public Safety meeting next week.

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