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Shays apologizes for scuffle with Capitol Police officer |
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By Jackie Kucinich
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July 20, 2007 |
Rep. Christopher Shays (R-Conn.) apologized Friday for an altercation with a Capitol Police officer Thursday afternoon in which the lawmaker repeatedly swore at an officer and touched his nametag to read it before storming away.
Shays said in a statement that his frustration with the officer initially stemmed from trying to find a family of constituents that was caught in the rain. He described the interaction with the officer as “inappropriate.”
“Although my focus was in trying to locate my constituents and get them to a dry location, I know I clearly could have handled the situation with the officer in a more professional and respectful way, and I regret I did not do so,” Shays said in a statement.
According to sources familiar with the event, the outburst began after Officer Randy Cooper informed a staff member that he could not bring a tour through a lower west front door that has restricted access.
One source said that after Cooper informed the staffer that the family could not enter through the door, the staffer called Shays and tried to have the officer speak with him. When the officer refused, Shays himself came down to the post and proceeded to “scream obscenities” at Cooper before touching his nametag to read it in the rain and storming away.
Shays said he hopes to find the officer on Monday to apologize for his actions.
“When I return to Washington on Monday, I hope to have the opportunity to meet with the officer and apologize to him in person,” he said in the statement. “I take full responsibility for this incident and want to ensure it does not reflect negatively on the officer in any way.”
Shays also expressed his admiration and respect for the Capitol Police and the work they do to protect lawmakers and visitors. He regretted that his actions did not reflect these thoughts.
The officer and the Capitol Police could not be reached for comment.
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