Matt Gaetz and (inset) Marjorie Taylor Greene (Photo: Gage Skidmore / US Gov)
Republican Representatives Matt Gaetz (FL), Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA) and Louie Gohmert (TX) were outraged yesterday that they were not welcomed with open arms to a prison holding people accused of rioting in the capital on January 6.
The three lawmakers showed up with film crews in tow to request a visit and be allowed to speak to the January 6 prisoners to find out the conditions under which they are being held. They said they feared the detainees would not have access to the evidence.
Instead, DC Department of Corrections staff locked the front door and turned their backs on lawmakers. Prison officials say they have not made any prior appointment to visit the facility.
Gaetz, Green and Gohmert acted in amazement that prison staff have better things to do with their time than participating in the planned stunt.
“The supervisor came down and was standing right here and turned her back on me. The other said that she would not speak anymore and that we were intruders, ”Gohmert told reporters afterwards.
“We are here in totalitarian and Marxist territory. This is how third world people are treated, ”he added.
Gaetz posted a video of the trio’s attempt to access it.
BREAKING: The DC Department of Corrections has banned several members of Congress from reviewing the conditions of January 6 prisoners.
What are they hiding?
cc: @RepLouieGohmert, @RepGosar, @RepMTG pic.twitter.com/6fLmhg7bCC
– Representative Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) July 29, 2021
“The door is locked and we’re just here to ask questions and now they’ve locked the door and didn’t give us access,” Gaetz said, as Taylor Greene knocked on the door asking for entry.
“It was apparently a bait and a switch. We’re here just to talk to a supervisor and when the supervisor came out and we went out to have this chat they literally ran behind us and locked the doors, ”Gaetz added.
Related: Marjorie Taylor Greene Demands Baby To Be Taken From Trans Parents
The trio said they wanted to verify the conditions under which the January 6 defendants are being held. Instead, they were told by staff that they were violating and obstructing the entrance.
This is the moment we were charged with trespassing during congressional surveillance at the deplorable prison.
What are they hiding ??
After our visit, I am even more concerned about the treatment of the prisoners inside. pic.twitter.com/N6Ljmbl93E
– Marjorie Taylor Greene (@mtgreenee) July 29, 2021
The DC Department of Correction later released a statement saying that all of its residents are treated the same, regardless of their political beliefs or background.
He went on to say, “Today, congressional officials unexpectedly arrived at the DC Department of Corrections (DOC) central detention center with an unauthorized film crew requesting a facility tour. In doing so, these officials compromised the safety and security operations at DOC. The safety and security of DOC facilities, personnel and residents is a high priority and for this reason DOC has established procedures and protocols related to visits to its facilities. All visitors, including family members of residents, lawyers, and public officials, must adhere to DOC rules and procedures. “
Taylor Greene posted the statement on her own Twitter and disagreed with it, stating: “The inmates at your prison are not residents, they are being held pending trial.
“You have been informed of our intention to visit and regardless of which Congress controls federal prisons.
“We were told we were trespassing during surveillance, which is our job.
“The ‘camera crews’ were members of the press who have freedom of the press, which you denied.
“We have heard horror stories about the treatment of inmates in your facility under your supervision. We look forward to visiting your facility very soon.
The attempted prison visit follows a press conference Greene, Gaetz, Gohmert and Representative Paul Gosar (R-Arizona) held on Tuesday to discuss the conditions under which the prisoners would be held. However, protesters showed up and repeatedly shouted at far-right lawmakers, forcing them to abandon the press conference and run to escape.
Related: Marjorie Taylor Greene & Matt Gaetz Actually Run Out From Their Own Chaotic Press Conference
Here are pictures of this incident. On the theme of the Benny Hill Show.
By popular demand, Marjorie Taylor Greene and Matt Gaetz fleeing their own protest rally… but settled on the Benny Hill theme song.
Enjoy. pic.twitter.com/OJamj15aC6
– Gabe Sanchez (@iamgabesanchez) July 29, 2021
Attempts by lawmakers to show up at the DC Correctional Center and show off haven’t impressed most online.
Thousands of people responded to the video posted by Matt Gaetz.
It’s a prison, not a zoo. You can’t walk around and use people as props for your little outrage video.
– MontanaGirlDem 🏞️ (@ BeccaRocks7399) July 29, 2021
No one can just walk in with cameras. I expect anyone with average intelligence to know this. It is not surprising that you have no idea.
– Leslie Warlick (@WarlickLeslie) July 29, 2021
Good. You are irrelevant in trying to create a scene in a prison. Or are you just checking out your future accommodations?
– Cate (@ CoffeeCate144) July 29, 2021
Don’t worry, you’ll get to see the inside of a prison soon enough.
– Kevin M. Kruse (@KevinMKruse) July 29, 2021
No amount of political theater is going to distract from the investigation you are in. Or the money you bleed with that carnival act.
– MoreSkyPlease (@Moreskyplease) July 29, 2021
You know full well that you can’t just go to a federal facility out of the blue and walk in. Hey gang, it’s just like the time he tried to pretend he was kicked out of an impeachment hearing he was supposed to attend.
– It’s HEDLEY! (@ HedleyLamarr23) July 29, 2021
Trying to get a feel for the place, Matty Fivehead?
I don’t know what kind of Venmo allowance you’ll get when you’re in the pokey.
But I think it’s wise that you have thought about evaluating your future digs.
– Jo (@JoJoFromJerz) July 29, 2021
