Security stepped up for members of CT congressional delegation

U.S. Park Police and DC Metro police walk with weapons on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013.  A woman driving a black Infiniti with a young child inside tried to ram through a White House barricade Thursday, then led police on a chase that ended in gunfire outside the Capitol, witnesses and officials said. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

U.S. Park Police and DC Metro police walk with weapons on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013. A woman driving a black Infiniti with a young child inside tried to ram through a White House barricade Thursday, then led police on a chase that ended in gunfire outside the Capitol, witnesses and officials said. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Greenwich, home to Congressman Jim Himes and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, is beefing up security for both Democratic lawmakers in the aftermath of Thursday’s deadly confrontation between U.S. Capitol Police and a Stamford woman.

“I think it’s fair to say that there will be stepped up presence, given the events that happened in Washington and the Stamford connection,” said Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei, who also acts as the town’s police commissioner.

Officials were somewhat vague about whether a formal request for additional police coverage was made.

“The congressman’s office did not make a security request,” said Liz Kerr, a spokesman for Himes. “It is our understanding that, given today’ events, law enforcement officials determined it was prudent to increase their already vigilant protection of the community.”

Authorities declined to elaborate on the nature of the protective measures, citing the security of the two lawmakers.

Hearst Connecticut Newspapers has learned that the heightened vigilance extends to the district offices of Himes, who represents the southwestern part of the state.

“Certainly, the Greenwich Police Department is perhaps paying more attention to it than they do on a routine basis,” Tesei said. “I think with any of our elected officials and dignitaries, anytime that there’s reason for concern, the police are extremely responsive, and, I think, use an abundance of caution.”

Neil Vigdor