At least seven employees of CBS News’ “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” were arrested after allegedly entering the U.S. House of Representatives building, specifically the Longworth House, where they were not legally allowed to be. according to Fox News. They were escorted from the January 6 select committee hearing because they did not have the appropriate press credentials, which are investigating the activities of people who were also not where it was lawful to do so.
Despite the escort, seven people reappeared that night as the Capitol convoluted was closed to the public. “The group was unescorted and accused of illegally entering House of Representatives office buildings after business hours,” the report said.
Fox News’ Chad Pegram did this as well long thread explaining details on Twitter, including the US Capitol Police statement.
9) USCP: “Responding officers observed seven unescorted individuals without congressional identification in the sixth floor hallway.”
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) June 17, 2022
11) USCP: “They were charged with illegal entry. This is an active criminal investigation and, after consultation with the U.S. Attorney, may result in additional criminal charges.”
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) June 17, 2022
Pegram’s tweets also mention that nine people were actually arrested, citing a “senior source in the House of Representatives.”
6) Fox confirmed the arrests of these nine people through a senior source in the House of Representatives.
Jake Plunkett
Allison Martinez
Tyrone Dean
Stephen Romonda
Nicolette Green
Brendan Hurley
Robert Smigiel
Josh Comers
David Feldman— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) June 17, 2022
Another report from Fox News has more on these individuals’ alleged behavior, explaining that they “reportedly banged on the doors of several Republican offices — including those of Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California, Jim Jordan of Ohio and Lauren Boebert of Colorado — while they were allegedly filming a skit for the show Colbert’s “Late Show,” which was supposed to center around the January 6 auditions.
These people were arrested near MP Boebert’s office.
The same report mentioned Rep. Rodney Davis’ (R-IL) demands for answers when Congress returns next week:
Lawmakers will demand answers about the arrest of several staffers of late-night talk show host Stephen Colbert on Capitol Hill on Thursday when Congress resumes next week, a top Republican told Fox News.
A few days after the Democrats on On January 6, the House called the Committee Rep. Barry Loudermilk’s, R-Ga., to answer questions about a trip he took the day before the Capitol riot, several people, including CBS employees who work on Colbert’s late-night show, were arrested for illegally entering the convoluted.
Late in the evening, individuals including “Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog” puppeteer Robert Smigel – a regular guest of Colbert’s – were not authorized to walk unescorted, a House GOP source told Fox News. Others arrested included Colbert writer Josh Comers and associate producer Allison Martinez.
…
Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Ill., ranking member of the House Administration Committee — which has jurisdiction over the Capitol Police and House operations — told “Jesse Watters Primetime” on Friday that he will demand answers when Congress returns to session next week.
As if the situation wasn’t baffling enough, the offices of Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), who serves on the select committee, and Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) were reportedly involved in the cleanup. group into a convoluted. Fox News reports and Fox News’ “Jesse Watters Primetime” mention this connection.
Colbert Producers arrested and jailed for breaching Capitol security #FoxNews pic.twitter.com/vsdfdzSjXY
— Jesse Watters Primetime (@jesseprimetime) June 17, 2022
Jonathan Turley took to Twitter to explain the legality of the situation.
…Libertine. Rodney Davis seemed to confirm the basic facts in this segment. While many details still need to be confirmed, the charges will be the same as most of those arrested in connection with the January 6 riots…
— Jonathan Turley (@JonathanTurley) June 17, 2022
…Of course, while the charge may be the same, it is very different from breaking into the Capitol and rioting. If true, the crew could have sought implied permission even though they should have obtained permission to access and shoot (including notifying the Capitol Police).
— Jonathan Turley (@JonathanTurley) June 17, 2022
…Once again, this is just a preliminary report. However, if charged, it would likely fall under 18 USC § 1752 for anyone who “knowingly enters or remains in any prohibited building or grounds without lawful authority.”https://t.co/hXDA08u0Im
— Jonathan Turley (@JonathanTurley) June 17, 2022
… This particularly applies to the offense of remaining in a building, although the crew may argue that they had lawful authority from one of these members.
— Jonathan Turley (@JonathanTurley) June 17, 2022
Fox News’ “Tucker Carlson Tonight” also addressed the allegations made on Friday night’s episode, calling them “almost unbelievable” and an “insurrection.”
Stephen Colbert’s producers just started an insurrection on Capitol Hill. pic.twitter.com/8lHkIcCYld
— Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) June 18, 2022
Carlson also highlighted Rep. Schiff’s role, noting that the congressman “has spent the last year and a half telling you that the unauthorized breach of the Capitol space is a coup” and claiming that he “illegally allowed CBS producers access to the Capitol,” stating that “the point is that they are there to harass sitting members of Congress.”
Like Turley, Carlson compared the charges, noting that the U.S. Capitol Police arresting these individuals on charges of illegally entering the Capitol grounds is “the exact same charge that many of the defendants face on January 6.” The Fox News report mentioned that additional charges may also be filed.
Carlson, making it clear that this was “joking aside,” also alluded to the treatment the January 6 defendants face. “And actually, all jokes aside, how could they not have been held in solitary confinement for a year and a half without being charged,” Carlson asked of the defendants arrested Thursday night. He noted that “there is a precedent.”
“Colbert“ trended on Twitter on Friday night, as did “Robert Smigiel“And”Triumph the Insult Comic Dog” says the character Smigel.
