A newly elected Republican congresswoman from Georgia is defending her decision not to wear a mask while being locked in a safe room with other members of the House during the attack on the US Capitol last week. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene also said she was “insane” for Democrats who have since tested positive for COVID-19 to blame the Republicans.
“It is absolutely ridiculous and insane to blame us,” Greene told Fox News. “[We] had no COVID or any symptoms. “
Greene spoke after Democratic representatives Brad Schneider, Bonnie Watson Coleman and Pramila Jayapal tested positive for COVID-19. The Capitol’s assistant physician warned members that they may have been “exposed to another occupant with coronavirus infection”.
Greene told Fox News that she tested negative for COVID-19 on Jan. 4 and said Americans should not be forced to wear a mask. She added that “healthy people don’t spread COVID.”
Health experts have repeatedly warned that asymptomatic people can still spread COVID-19 to others.
ERIN SCOTT / REUTERS
Dozens of lawmakers were quickly taken to safety after a pro-Trump crowd stormed the Capitol last week, breaking through barricades to roam the halls and offices and looting the building. Video obtained by Punchbowl News showed several Republican members – including Greene – refusing to wear masks, even though they were locked in a safe place for several hours.
After announcing their positive tests this week, Schneider, Coleman and Jayapal attacked lawmakers who refused to wear masks.
“Several Republican lawmakers in the room have adamantly refused to wear a mask … even when politely asked by their colleagues,” said Schneider. “Today, I am in absolute isolation, concerned about having risked my wife’s health and angry at the selfishness and arrogance of anti-maskers who put their own contempt and disrespect for decency ahead of the health and safety of their colleagues and our employees. “
Jayapal noted in his statement that “several Republicans have not only cruelly refused to wear a mask, but have mocked colleagues and officials who offered them”.
Grace Segers contributed to this report.