Capitol Police are currently investigating reports that Rep. Andy Harris (R-Maryland) attempted to bring a gun on the House floor last week.
Harris set off metal detectors when walking onto the House floor. A Capitol Police officer then began to scan Harris and found a concealed firearm in his suit coat. The Capitol Police have since confirmed that Harris was indeed carrying a firearm.
Harris’s office submitted a statement to the press. “Because his and his family’s lives have been threatened by someone who has been released awaiting trial, for security reasons, the Congressman never confirms whether he nor anyone else he’s with are carrying a firearm for self-defense,” the statement read. “As a matter of public record, he has a Maryland Handgun Permit. And the congressman always complies with the House metal detectors and wanding. The Congressman has never carried a firearm on the House floor.”
When Capitol Police refused to let Harris onto the House floor, the representative asked fellow Rep. John Katko (R-New York) to hold his gun. Katko refused and Harris went back to his office, so he could return the firearm.
Harris’ case comes days after another House member, Rep. Lauren Boebert, (R-Colorado) refused to be searched after being suspected of attempting to bring a firearm onto the House floor.
