Congressman Says His Constituents 'Shouldn't Have to Carry a Gun' — However, Congress 'Deserves' and 'Needs' to Be Protected by Them

Tuesday night, Congressman Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.) was speaking with a reporter from the Daily Caller about a recently exposed scandal involving some members of the NYPD selling access to concealed carry permits when he laughingly stated that his constituents "just shouldn't have to carry a gun."

When asked about the armed security protecting him and the rest of the members of Congress, he answered, "I think we deserve, need to be protected down here."

New York Democratic Rep. Charles Rangel (AP Photo/New York Daily News, Peter Gabel, Pool)

The veteran congressman denied knowing about the scandal involving bribes for concealed carry permits in New York City. However, when he heard how difficult it is for a New York City resident to acquire a concealed carry permit, Rangel responded, "If it is difficult to get a concealed weapon permit, I’m glad to hear that.”

Pressed on the right of people living in his district to get a carry permit, Rangel reacted by stating, “I wouldn’t want them to have it," adding, "Law-abiding citizens just shouldn’t have to carry a gun."

The reporter pointed out the armed U.S. Capitol Police inside the building, just a few feet away from the congressman, Rangel laughed and responded, "Well that’s a little different. I think we deserve — I think we need to be protected down here.”

Listen to the exchange:

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