Lauren Boebert, congresswoman-elect from Colorado, has requested of capitol police that she be allowed to stay strapped while on capitol grounds when she takes office in January. According to a report from the Associated Press:
Boebert asked Capitol Police officials about carrying her weapon when she and other House freshmen taking office in January were in town recently for orientation programs, according to two congressional officials. Both people — a Democrat and a Republican — spoke on condition of anonymity to describe her request.
The two congressional officials spoke to the press and reported this anonymously! The great scandal that a 2nd Amendment advocate, elected to congress, would request to carry her firearm in the capitol! Someone has to tell the press!
It turns out that this story leaking didn't bother the future representative Boebert one bit. She came out on Twitter and confirmed the story while affirming her commitment to the 2nd amendment.
I promise this next part of the story does not come from the Babylon Bee.
The newly-elected congresswoman is a vocal 2nd amendment advocate and runs a gun-themed restaurant called Shooter's Grill in a small town in Colorado named, and I'm not making this up, RIFLE. Rifle, Colorado. Seriously. Just in case you were going to question Boebert's 2A qualifications, she seems to be the real deal.
According to the New York Post, Boebert would not be the only congressman carrying on capitol grounds, it is apparently a somewhat common practice among members of Congress and their staff.
In a written response, the Capitol Police said they've "been made aware" of inquiries about carrying weapons and said there was "no standing requirement" that legislators notify them when they do.
The officials said regulations require safe storage of weapons but "that responsibility resides with the Member."
A 1967 regulation says no federal or District of Columbia laws restricting firearms "shall prohibit any Member of Congress from maintaining firearms within the confines of this office" or "from transporting within Capitol grounds firearms unloaded and securely wrapped."
So, you can't carry into the congressional chambers, but in their offices and through the halls of congress you may find some of our politicians remain strapped.
Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie makes the simple case:
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., chairman of the House Second Amendment Caucus, justified letting lawmakers carry weapons. He cited the 2017 shooting spree when a gunman wounded Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., and four other people as they practiced baseball in nearby Alexandria, Virginia.
"As soon as you leave the Capitol property, you are a target," Massie said.
As thankful as we are for Capitol police and security, there is no doubt that the personal protection of carrying your own firearm is the surest way of protecting yourself from harm.
It looks like Boebert is making it known, she is one member of congress you don't want to mess with.
