WASHINGTON D.C.—Visitors and Members of Congress alike were shocked as they were met with extremely long lines upon arrival at the Capitol Building this morning. Tempers flared as employees’ start times came and went, meetings needed to be rescheduled, and Capitol tours were cancelled, all while they waited in line for security screening.
Normally an efficient process, the delays reportedly started when Representative-elect Lauren Boebert of Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District reached the security checkpoint.
“I can’t even tell you how many times she was back and forth through that metal detector,” recalls Rex Lowell, a Capitol maintenance technician who says he was third in line behind Boebert. “Every time it went off, she’d remember another gun and try again. I’m not 100% sure, but I think I saw her put a grenade or two in the bin too.” After two hours, Lowell eventually gave up and opted to take a vacation day.
U.S. Capitol Police have acknowledged and apologized for the delay and are providing regular status updates. The most recent update indicates that Representative-elect Boebert has finally advanced from the metal detector and is now removing ammo from her purse for the baggage inspection. They also promised to implement a separate security line dedicated exclusively to Boebert moving forward.