CNN "The Situation Room" - Transcript: Interview with Ro Khanna

Interview

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REP. RO KHANNA (D-CA): Well, first, my heart goes out to the family of the officer who we lost. And I just want to express my sincere appreciation to the Capitol Hill police for what they did to keep us safe today and what they do every day.

I was in my Cannon office. I had just gone out to get lunch. I was coming back. And I got frantic calls for my staff saying that there's a huge incident at the Capitol. I heard sirens. They had locked down the Cannon Office Building. I had an officer who kindly said, get into your car.

And so I went into my car, locked it. And, of course, my thought went to January 6 and what had happened. And I was relieved to learn that the suspect had been apprehended and then, of course, killed, and that the Capitol Police had protected us.

But they really risk their lives every day. And these barriers I have to go in every day. And I see how vulnerable these officers are. I mean, anyone can get up to that barrier. Sometimes, you see people harassing them or not being very polite, and I have always been concerned for their safety.

BLITZER: As a member of Congress, you obviously interact with Capitol Police on a nearly daily basis multiple times a day when you're here in Washington.

You have expressed your gratitude to the department. Certainly, all of us are grateful to those police officers.

Can you talk about the pressure they're under right now, especially as this second fatal event occurs in, what, just three months?

KHANNA: Well, I think it's taking a toll. When I was coming back in my office, I was in an elevator, and there was an officer there.

And it was clear he was very shaken up. I mean, he lost one of his colleagues. That family's life is never going to be the same. The officers who knew him are never going to be the same.

So, it has taken, I think, a toll on them emotionally. There is huge pressure on them to keep us safe. But I hope that politicians, regardless of ideology, today, every member of Congress and senator can say two things. One, there is no justification for violence or any attack on the Capitol, regardless of ideology.

And, two, we really do honor those who serve to protect us, the Capitol Police and others who are law enforcement officers. I don't think those are controversial statements. I feel like, if everyone says that, maybe we can get some peace and resolve of healing in this country.

BLITZER: Do you feel safe right now up on Capitol Hill, Congressman?

KHANNA: I do.

But I never thought when I was elected to Congress that coming to work would be a dangerous workplace. And, in candor, it has become a dangerous place. When you go outside and you're coming back, you're on guard. You're looking. You're wondering what's going on.

And it's really sad, because, I mean, one of the things I love about my job -- I'm going back to my district next week -- but when school kids come and visit us, eighth graders, 10th graders. And all of that right now is on hold, and it's hard for people to come to the building.

I do think they're going to have to rethink probably the perimeter and the security of the entire complex, with the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, Capitol, and really think how they can keep it safe, but allow Americans to still visit.

BLITZER: Yes, it's going to be a tough, tough challenge.

Congressman Khanna, be careful out there. Thanks, as usual, for joining us.

KHANNA: Thank you, Wolf.

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