Capitol police reportedly have two ongoing investigations into Republican lawmakers, Reps. Andy Harris and Russ Fulcher for incidents involving their behavior at the metal detectors outside the House floor.
Matt Fuller a Huffpost reporter witnessed the incidents and was called in for an interview with Capitol police.
According to Fuller, Fulcher (R-ID) “aggressively brush” a female Capitol Police officer aside after he set off the metal detector on his way to the House floor on January 12. The officer was very disturbed by the incident and was close to tears.
The next day, Fulcher sent out a tweet thanking Capitol police for their service and vowed to continue to support them, adding “I’m unaware of any rude interactions between members and capitol police.”
The other incident involves Maryland Rep. Andy Harris who brought a gun to the House chamber. When be was denied entry, he asked another representative John Katko to take the weapon for him. It’s still not clear what Harris is being investigated for, but according to Fuller, “judging by their questions, they were interested in determining whether Harris’s gun was concealed.”
The metal detectors were installed to beef up security after the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
The move further inflamed tensions on Capitol Hill, at times prompting shouting matches between Republicans, who see the measures as infringing on their second Amendments rights, and Capitol Police.
Earlier this month the House voted 216-210 to adopt a measure, which would charge lawmakers for not passing through the metal detectors. They will be fined $5,000 for a first-time offence and $10,000 thereafter.
Two Republicans, Reps. Louie Gohmert of Texas and Andrew Clyde of Georgia were the first lawmakers to break the rules and were fined $5,000 each to be deducted from their salaries.
