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Democratic congressman tests positive for Covid after Capitol lockdown during riots

Lawmaker was also accosted by unmasked Trump supporters at airport after riot

Oliver O'Connell
New York
Saturday 16 January 2021 16:36 EST
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Trump addresses Capitol riots with praise for Covid vaccine

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Democratic representative Lou Correa says that he has tested positive for Covid-19 and will therefore miss President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.

On Saturday the 62-year-old California congressman tweeted: “Yesterday, I tested positive for Covid-19. I will be responsible & self-quarantine, away from my family, for the recommended time.”

Rep. Correa is the latest member of Congress to contract the virus, the number of which has grown since lawmakers were forced to shelter in place together during the attack on the US Capitol

During the lockdown on 6 January, some Republican representatives refused to wear masks.

The congressman expressed his disappointment at missing the inauguration of President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris but is looking ahead to the next four years.

"While I'll miss the much-anticipated inauguration of President-elect @JoeBiden, I look forward to working with the new Admin to unite our country!" he posted.

Following the violence at the Capitol, the Democrat was accosted by unmasked Trump supporters at Dulles Airport outside of Washington, DC.

The scene was captured on video and posted on social media. The men, who appeared to be Trump supporters, hurled baseless allegations at the Democrat about voter fraud and Antifa.

Representative Correa appeared unperturbed by the abuse he encountered and responded to their expletive-laden accusations.

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