After hearing several republicans at the impeachment debate today, I can certainly see why others don't want them bringing firearms into the Capitol. They sounded really unhinged. Most of the republicans who spoke were not in that category, even when I disagreed with their comments.
By Tal Axelrod - 01/12/21 09:08 PM EST
Tensions flared Tuesday evening between a handful of House Republicans and the Capitol Police over new metal detectors that were placed outside the House chamber in the wake of the attack on the Capitol.
The lawmakers were heard by reporters complaining about the detectors and railing against Democrats as they tried to enter the House chamber to vote, saying they were not consulted by Democratic leadership about the decision to install the devices.
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“You are creating a problem you do not understand the ramifications of,” Rep. Steve Womack (R-Ark.) yelled at the police manning the detectors, shouting at them to “get back” and “don’t touch me.”
Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), who has touted her desire to carry her Glock pistol in the Capitol, was also seen by a reporter setting off a detector and refusing to turn her bag over to the police for inspection.
While it was not immediately clear what the confrontation with the officers was about, Boebert later tweeted, "I am legally permitted to carry my firearm in Washington, D.C. and within the Capitol complex" and that the detectors are "just another political stunt by Speaker [Nancy] Pelosi" that wouldn't have prevented last week's riots.
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The metal detectors were installed Tuesday to screen everyone — including lawmakers — before entering the House chamber. The devices are the latest defense system to be set up after last week’s violent mob stormed the Capitol, overwhelming police and killing at least one officer.
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Ari Berman
@AriBerman
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Jan 12
House Republicans want to require strict voter ID to cast a ballot but won’t walk through metal detectors after inspiring violent coup at Capitol
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