LOS ANGELES : Torres to Seek Greater Security at State Offices
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State Sen. Art Torres (D-Los Angeles), flanked by members of labor organizations and law enforcement agencies, announced Monday that he will seek legislation to beef up security at government offices across California, and said he plans to use the state’s sales tax to pay for it.
The announcement is a response to the shootout Thursday at a Ventura County unemployment office that left a police officer and three others dead. Witnesses said the gunman, Alan Winterbourne, 33, of Ventura, who was killed, was aiming at employees and had a history of grudges against government.
“We intend to ensure that no Californian has to fear for their life or safety in government buildings,” Torres said. “A visit to the DMV, unemployment office or post office should not be a life-threatening experience.”
In addition, Torres said he will seek tougher penalties for criminals who commit violent crimes at government institutions.
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