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Reported March 29th:
| Quote : | "Georgia congresswoman says she regrets confrontation with police officer
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Rep. Cynthia McKinney, D-Ga., got into what she termed a "confrontation" with a police officer Wednesday afternoon after being challenged for identification at a metal detector at the entrance to a House office building.
In a letter addressed to the U.S. Capitol Police released late Wednesday, the congresswoman called the incident "unfortunate," and she said she regretted it had occurred.
"I know that Capitol Hill police are securing our safety, that of thousands of others, and I appreciate the work that they do," said McKinney, who represents a district located just east of Atlanta. "I deeply regret that the incident occurred. I have demonstrated by support for them in the past, and I continue to support them now." -- From CNN Congressional Producer Ted Barrett (Posted 11:27 p.m.)" |
And then two days later...
| Quote : | "In a news conference featuring actor Danny Glover and singer Harry Belafonte, McKinney said she would be exonerated and that "this whole incident was instigated by the inappropriate touching and stopping of me, a female, black congresswoman."
She had little else to say, citing the ongoing investigation into her allegedly striking a police officer after he failed to recognize her at a security checkpoint and tried to stop her from passing.
One Republican congressman dismissed the star-studded news conference. "Rep. McKinney appearing with the star of "Lethal Weapon"? Not exactly the message you want to be sending," said Ron Bonjean, spokesman for House Speaker Dennis Hastert.
Asked Friday if Capitol Police intended to bring charges against the congresswoman, Sgt. Kimberly Schneider said only, "I know we're still investigating."
The 51-year-old legislator was surrounded by more than two dozen supporters at the Friday news conference, some carrying handwritten placards that read "Recognize our congresswoman" and "Is Cynthia a target?"
During the conference, held at historically black Howard University in Washington, civil rights attorney James Myart said his client was "assaulted" by a Capitol Police officer, whose name the department refuses to release.
"Because she was assaulted and placed in impending fear of her safety, she responded," he said. "This case has just begun and we're going to fight, and we're going to use the U.S. Constitution."
Myart said McKinney would seek a criminal investigation against the officer, and a civil lawsuit against both the officer and the Capitol Police is being explored. " |
Oh, and for the reason why she was stopped:
| Quote : | | "Members of Congress are allowed to bypass the metal detectors and security checkpoint. They are supposed to wear a lapel pin that identifies them as lawmakers. McKinney acknowledges she wasn't wearing one when she was stopped, but concurred with Myart that police should know who she is." |
[Edited on April 1, 2006 at 10:23 PM. Reason : ] 4/1/2006 10:22:59 PM
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