The shooting during a town hall-style event Saturday in Tucson, Ariz. that left six people dead and 14 wounded — including critically injured U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords — immediately stirred debate about the safety of meetings held in the public venue.

Local legislators are assuring their constituents they will remain accessible.

State Rep. Sharon Tyler, R-Niles, said Monday that part of her job is to keep on her toes about the issue of security.

“You take risks in everything in life,” she said. “You’re always cautious; you always watch the crowds. When you do receive a letter, you take it to security. Those things come through the office.”

However, she pointed out, her focus is on the tragedy in Arizona.

“Right now my first thoughts are with the families and the victims,” Tyler said. “That’s No. 1 in my thoughts.”

Tyler said the capitol in Lansing is guarded by security, which conducts I.D. checks, but in the gallery, for instance, there are no metal detectors.

“It’s not something that you can fear,” the second-term representative said. “It’s an honor to serve the people, and you want to be there.

“It will not stop me from having office hours,” said Tyler, who conducts regular coffee meetings at public places in her district. She suggested that those people who are concerned about attended the scheduled visits may call to discuss issues.

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., released a statement Tuesday regarding the shooting.

“As Americans, we are all deeply affected by such violence, which goes against everything we stand for as a nation,” he said. “When the lives and liberties of our fellow Americans are endangered, we as a country stand united.

“With public service comes both risks and great responsibilities,” said Upton, of St. Joseph. “Representative Giffords never took her job lightly, fully understanding that our political system demands its elected leaders are responsive and available to the people we represent. As your representative, I can assure you that I will continue to remain accessible and actively engaged with constituents throughout southwest Michigan. My office door is always open.”