After Capitol Riots, Three Lawmakers Test Positive for Coronavirus

Early this month, a mob of pro-Trump supporters and fringe groups from the far-right breached security at the U.S. Capitol and stormed the building, interrupting a joint session of Congress. As the violent mob raged through the building clashing with U.S. Capitol Police, members of Congress shared close quarters as they hunkered down. A few Republican members of Congress who have always been vocal in their denial of the seriousness of COVID-19 refused to wear masks. The consequences of this soon came home to roost. Since the riots, three lawmakers have now tested positive for COVID-19.

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Rep. Brad Schneider, D-I tested positive, and according to his statement has not experienced any symptoms yet. He is currently in isolation. Schneider confirmed that during the riots, certain Republican lawmakers refused to wear a mask. In a statement. Rep. Schneider said that he was “angry at the selfishness and arrogance of the anti-maskers who put their contempt and disregard for decency ahead of the health and safety of their colleagues and our staff.”

Rep. Pramila Jayapal also tested positive. In her statement, she blamed the Republican members of Congress who refused to wear a mask. She said that these lawmakers were responsible for “creating a super spreader event on top of a domestic terrorist attack.” Despite contracting the coronavirus, Jayapal continues to work from home on behalf of her constituents reassuring them that she would “not rest until I do everything in my power to remove this President from office.”

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-N.J too confirmed that she tested positive. Coleman reported that she was experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms but would continue to work from home on behalf of her constituents.

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