Top Dem lawmaker Clyburn could face $5K metal detector fine: report

House Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-S. C., could be the first Democratic lawmaker to face a fine for bypassing metal detectors at the Capitol, according to a report Wednesday.

Clyburn is alleged to have bypassed metal detectors outside the House chamber after using a nearby bathroom during a vote on Tuesday, Politico reported, citing sources with knowledge of the matter. Capitol Police referred the incident to House Sergeant-at-Arms Timothy Blodgett, who has the final say on whether Clyburn will receive a $5,000 fine.

The congressman initially passed through security when entering the chamber. After casting a vote on the House floor, Clyburn left the chamber to use the bathroom. When re-entering the chamber, Clyburn purportedly bypassed the magnetometer. A source told Politico that the entire sequence occurred in less than 10 minutes and noted that Clyburn did not refuse any directives from Capitol Police.

"Congressman Clybur... (Read more)

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