Democrat-Led Congress Introduces Metal Detector in Capitol, Pro-Gun Representatives Frustrated

Still reeling from the security breach of the Capitol on January 6, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has decided to increase security in the building. This includes metal detectors that will scan representatives before they walk onto the House floor.

Representatives who support the Second Amendment are not pleased.

Newly elected House member Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., is one of the members who could be seen discussing the additional security measure with Capitol Hill police. In a statement to The Daily Citizen, she said, “It is a shame that Nancy Pelosi is trying to disarm Members of Congress in the very place that needed more protection on January 6th. It is clear metal detectors would not have deterred the violent acts we saw; this political stunt does nothing to improve the safety of Members in the Capitol complex.”

Rep. Boebert has come under fire, as some accused her of putting Speaker Pelosi in danger for tweeting updates from the Capitol during the breach. Her statement continues, “It is also quite ironic that some have taken my tweets out of context to falsely accuse me of endangering Speaker Pelosi, that she now telegraphs to the entire world that Members of Congress cannot defend themselves in the House Chamber. As I have said in previous statements, I will comply with all applicable firearm laws and regulations. I want to again thank the brave men and women of the Capitol Police for their service and for keeping us safe.”

A prominent and passionate gun rights advocate, Rep. Boebert has publicly vowed that she will serve public office with her firearm in tow.

Others have expressed outrage as well.

Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Ill., also voiced his frustrations while being asked to go through the metal detector, stating to the officers at the door, “This is bulls—.”

Davis also told House Minority Leader Steny Hoyer, R-Md., “The threat is not on the interior side of the building. You are taking valuable resources completely away from where it needs to be. And you guys did it without any consultation with the minority.”

Maryland Representative Larry Buschon, R, wrote on Twitter, “Under the direction of Speaker Pelosi, magnetometers are at entrances to the House floor. Members of Congress are not allowed to perform their duty to vote on behalf of their constituents without going through this ‘security’ checkpoint. @GOPLeader (Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.) needs to formally protest.”

Representatives have now been told that “firearms are restricted to a Member’s Office.”

The attack on the Capitol may spur Democrats, who hold power in the White House, House and the Senate as well, to pass additional gun control measures, though there are no reports of protestors engaging in gun violence.

President-elect Joe Biden recently tweeted in remembrance of the January 8, 2011 shooting that killed six and injured several others, including Rep. Gabby Gifford, stating, “I pledge to continue to work with you—and with survivors, families, and advocates across the country—to defeat the NRA and end our epidemic of gun violence.”

Photo from ERIN SCOTT/REUTERS