Republican leaders in Congress demanded an investigation into allegations that lawmakers and their constituents are under surveillance by Capitol Police.
Republican Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs and 33 others sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democratic California Rep. Zoe Lofgren demanding an investigation into allegations surrounding the actions of Capitol Police, according to Fox News.
The Capitol Police started looking into the backgrounds of people meeting members of Congress, both publicly and in private, in the wake of the Capitol riot, Politico reported in late January. (RELATED: One Police Department Is Surveilling Americans’ Social Media Feeds: REPORT)
“According to the report, Capitol Police is monitoring the online activity of congressional staff and individuals who meet with Members of Congress,” Biggs and his colleagues wrote in the letter.
“If true, these allegations are serious violations of Americans’ civil rights and civil liberties,” the letter said. “Our constituents have the right to petition Congress and they should exercise this right without fear that the Capitol Police will scrutinize their property taxes, social media, or relationships.”
On November 20th, 2021, Capitol Police entered my office without my knowledge and photographed confidential legislative products protected by the Speech and Debate clause enshrined in the Constitution, Article 1 Section 6.
— Congressman Troy Nehls (@RepTroyNehls) February 8, 2022
Republican Texas Rep. Troy Nehls made similar allegations earlier Tuesday that a staffer caught plainclothes members of the Capitol Police in the congressman’s office.
“On November 20th, 2021, Capitol Police entered my office without my knowledge and photographed confidential legislative products protected by the Speech and Debate clause enshrined in the Constitution, Article 1 Section 6,” Nehls said. (RELATED: GOP Rep Says Capitol Police ‘Illegally’ Investigated His Office, Staffer ‘Caught Them In The Act’)
“Two days later on Monday November 22, 2021 (Thanksgiving week), three intelligence officers attempted to enter my office while the House was in recess,” Nehls said.
Nehls was among those who helped protect the House chamber during the riot.