(CARY) -- Despite the shooting of Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, North Carolina Congressman David Price said he has not increased his security staff during public appearances. On Monday, Price visited 3-C Institute for Social Development in Cary, his first public appearance since the Arizona shootings.

Congressman Price said a representatives' ability to meet with his constituents must continue without fear.  "That local side of it is absolutely essential and we can't let anything or anybody shut us down.  We do need to take reasonable precautions, I think, to maintain security and that's not just about our safety, it's also about the safety of the people who come to our meetings and our staff," said Price.

Recently, North Carolina Congressional members Renee Ellmers and Heath Shuler both said they would carry firearms during public appearances. Price said he has not increased his security staff but he realizes that security for future events may get tighter.