Metal detectors were installed at the entrance of the U.S. House of Representatives floor at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, and some members are not happy with the change, according to reports.
The change was made in the wake of the mob entering the Capitol in a riot Jan. 6, including a stand-off in the chamber.
A memo from Acting House Sergeant-at-Arms Timothy Blodgett discussed the detectors being installed to ensure compliance with police regulations banning guns and incendiary devices in the chamber, CNN reported. Capitol Police set them up outside of the House floor Tuesday afternoon.
The decision was immediately met with resistance from some members, including Colorado Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert, who said she was legally allowed to carry a firearm within the building and called it a “political stunt” in a tweet.
According to Fox News reporter Chad Pergram, Texas Republican Rep. Chip Roy also decried the new detectors saying it is “unnecessary, unconstitutional, and endangers members.”
Huffington Post reporter Matt Fuller, who was present at the Capitol on Tuesday night, shared that at least 10 Republican members either walked through without acknowledging that they went off or around the detectors before entering the floor, including Pa. Rep. Scott Perry.
He also reported that some members pushed past security.
NBCNews reported that members have been told firearms are restricted to their offices.
Indiana Rep. Larry Bucshon said the new checkpoint was “unconstitutional” and said GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy should formally protest.
There were no reports of any consequences or restrictions for lawmakers who ignored the metal detectors Tuesday night.
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