Congresswoman says she carries gun ‘even though I now work in one of the most liberal cities in America’
Newly elected pro-Trump representative says guns are her ‘best security’, while Democrats called remarks a ’political stunt’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A pro-second amendment congresswoman from Colorado has said she carries a gun in Washington DC even though the city is “liberal”.
In a video uploaded to Twitter on Sunday, freshman Republican congresswoman Lauren Boebert celebrated her pro-second amendment credentials and attacked the United States’ capital at the same time for opposing her gun-carrying.
She had earlier shocked other members of Congress with her intention to carry a firearm while in the lower chamber, saying on Twitter that “Government does NOT get to tell me or my constituents how we are allowed to keep our families safe.”
“I WILL carry my Glock to Congress,” she added, along with a video attacking Washington DC and Democratic opponents.
“I’m a newly elected congresswoman from Colorado,” says Ms Boebert in the video, and “even though I now work in one of the most liberal cities in America, I refuse to give up my rights, especially my second amendment rights”.
“I will carry my firearm in DC and Congress,” she continues, and says “This caused outrage from Democrats and the media.”
“The congresswoman then adds that “In DC, of all places, we should be encouraged to practice our rights, so forget what you hear in the fake news.”
Ms Boebert, while displaying a gun, then tells viewers why she will carry a gun around Washington DC, which includes the city’s “skyrocketing” crime statistics.
"I’m a woman and a mother of four. I choose to defend my family with all of the force the Constitution provides. [Washington] DC is one of the top 10, most dangerous cities in our country," says Ms Boebert.
“Homicides rates and violent crimes are skyrocketing here,“ she then adds, saying “I am my best security”.
The video was released two days after the recently elected congresswoman wrote to House speaker Nancy Pelosi about lawmakers’ rights to carry arms.
More than 80 other Republicans signed-on to the letter asking for lawmakers to be able to continue carrying firearms, following proposals from Democrats to impose such a ban.
On Saturday, Ms Pelosi’s rules for the new term of Congress did not block lawmakers from carrying firearms.
Ms Boebert’s Democratic colleague from Colorado, congressman Jason Crow, meanwhile accused her of conducting a "political stunt" and "disrespecting" capitol police.
“Lauren Boebert is disrespecting the Capitol Police. Her desire to carry a gun at the Capitol is a political stunt,” said Mr Crow. “The USCP are professionals & I have rarely felt safer.”
According to Washington DC police department data, 2020 has seen a 19 per cent increase in homicides since 2019. Similar patterns have been reported across the US this year.
Ms Boebert is also among a group of Republicans in Congress who plan on voting against the confirmation of Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 presidential race on Wednesday, causing further condemnation from Democrats and more moderate Republicans.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments