Boebert did not hide his intention to take a gun to the Capitol complex, where lawmakers are exempt from strict firearm prohibitions, as long as they are stored in members’ offices and transported safely and unloaded. Democrats considered a change in the rules that would have prevented even members of Congress from bringing weapons to the Capitol, but the rules package introduced by House leaders last week did not include any policy changes.
Current guidelines for weapons on the Capitol are set by the Capitol Police Council, which includes House and Senate arms sergeants, the Capitol architect and the Capitol Police chief. Lawmakers have been exempt from restrictions by the council for decades.
Boebert drew attention to his gun-carrying plans on Sunday when he posted a video on social networks declaring his intention to carry his weapon in Congress.
“The government can NOT tell me or my constituents how we are allowed to keep our families safe,” she said.
Boebert, who ran a gun-themed restaurant called Shooters before his candidacy for Congress, made Second Amendment rights a centerpiece of his platform.
A Boebert spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.