Newly-elected Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert is hell-bent on protecting herself by toting a Glock semi-automatic pistol on her way to her congressional office in Washington, DC—which she calls is one of the "most dangerous cities in our country."
The new member of Congress from Colorado tweeted a three-minute video of herself wandering around what appeared to be D.C. and on U.S. Capitol grounds—purportedly with a firearm—to explain why she is arming herself.
You can see the video here:
The Republican lawmaker asserted in the video:
"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 in Congress. Here are the real reasons why I choose to defend myself in our nation's capital."
The 34-year-old continued:
"I am a woman and a mother of four. I chose to defend my family with all of the force the Constitution provides. DC is one of the top 10 most dangerous cities in our country. Homicide rates and violent crimes are skyrocketing here."
She encouraged anyone to greet her if she was spotted around the city and added, "You're safe with me."
But the video caused backlash among social media users who disagreed.
The controversial video caught the attention of Metropolitan Police Department Chief Robert Contee, who plans to contact Boebert and inform her about the laws in D.C.
Open carry is illegal in the District of Columbia.
However, members of Congress are allowed to carry firearms around the U.S. Capitol campus but not on the House floor. They can also store firearms in their congressional offices under the condition they are not loaded.
On Monday during a press conference on security measures, Contee said of Boebert:
"That congresswoman, whoever it is, I guess it was from Colorado, will be subjected to the same penalties as anyone else that's caught on the District of Columbia streets that's carrying a firearm."
Boebert is the founder of a restaurant in Rifle, Colorado, called Shooters Grill – where employees are obligated to undergo mandatory firearm training and target practice.
She said in a statement on Monday:
"I ran for Congress and have now taken an oath to support and defend the Constitution. That fight began in earnest as House Democrats attempted to stop Members of Congress from exercising their Second Amendment rights."
"I led eighty-two of my colleagues in fighting back, and we won. I promise I will never stop defending your Constitutional rights."
Reuters reported that Boebert's aide – who wished to remain anonymous – said the Congresswoman has reported to work without her Glock.
The Washington Post also mentioned Boebert was not actually carrying the Glock in the video, despite the opening scene showing her loading the handgun and sliding it into the holster.
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