Colorado officials ask U.S. House to investigate Lauren Boebert's actions after Capitol riot

Dozens of officials in Colorado's 3rd Congressional District have signed a letter requesting U.S. House officers launch an investigation into the conduct of Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert.

Boebert, a freshman legislator, has turned heads for her pro-gun rhetoric, including a video and several statements that claim she will carry a handgun with her throughout the Capitol complex, as well as her dogged support of the Make America Great Again movement and President Donald Trump's political stances.

On Jan. 9, Pueblo residents held a rally asking Boebert to listen to her constituents and tone down divisive statements, as well as requesting that House officials either not allow her to take her seat or not give her any committee assignments. Many individuals and groups have questioned Boebert's social media conduct, especially on Jan. 6. They have discussed ways to recall her from office.

Critics pointed to Tweets from Boebert on Jan. 6 regarding House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's whereabouts during the Capitol attack as evidence she was working with members of the attack. Five individuals died as a result of the events of Jan. 6, and many were injured.

The Capitol has remained in serious lockdown since the attack, and further security measures have been installed. One such measure is metal detectors for representatives entering the House Chambers, which were breached during the attack.

No other evidence has been produced to show Boebert was working with attackers. A story showing a photo of Boebert and supporters at the Capitol falsely claims it was taken Jan. 5 at the U.S. Capitol. The photo is from an event in 2019 at the Colorado Capitol.

On Wednesday, Boebert's account was suspended on Twitter, according to a post she made on her Instagram account. The suspension was slated to continue for a total of seven days but was lifted later the same day.

MORE: Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert suspended briefly from Twitter following incendiary 1st week

On Thursday night, Boebert tweeted a statement claiming Rep. Sean Maloney (D-NY18) had made remarks in an interview with MSNBC that had resulted in death threats and "hundreds of vile phone calls and emails" toward her.

"You said that you could 'confirm' a Member of Congress gave Capitol tours to 'insurrectionists' and implied that I was that Member of Congress," Boebert wrote. "You also stated, 'the enemy is within and we can not trust our own colleagues.'"

She called it a "dangerous disinformation campaign."

"In the future if you have concerns about my actions or policy positions, please speak with me before making baseless allegations," she wrote.

Maloney denied that he mentioned Boebert in his statements and tweeted a transcript of the interview to prove his point.

Some Colorado lawmakers believe there is enough evidence to begin an investigation of Boebert. 

On Jan. 12, a letter was written to Pelosi, House Majority Leader Rep. Steny Hoyer and House Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy.

"As individuals who hold elected offices within the 3rd Congressional District of Colorado, we are writing to express our condemnation of Representative Lauren Boebert based on her association with the right wing groups that supported the insurrection of the Capitol Building on Wednesday, January 6, 2021," the letter begins. "We have heard overwhelmingly from our constituents, therefore her constituents, that there is deep concern about her actions leading up to and during the protests that turned into a violent and deadly mob."

The letter called her statements preceding the insurrection on the House floor and her social media posts "irresponsible and reprehensible," and further stated that the officials believe there is "more than enough information to warrant an investigation and we ask that you follow through with any appropriate disciplinary actions."

One official who signed the letter was then-Pueblo County Commissioner Terry Hart, who has since entered retirement.

"All of us who love this country and, frankly, people who love our history were shocked and horrified at what we saw on Jan. 6," Hart said. "A peaceful transfer of power — that’s a hallmark of our country. We don’t have these kinds of attacks, but the president has been spending the last several weeks in denial and firing up some of the emotional elements of his supporters, urging them to do something."

He said all involved with the attack should be investigated and brought to justice if evidence is found.

"Constituents should be aware their representatives are deeply concerned and want to make sure this never happens again," Hart said. 

The letter notes that the biggest concern for the group is that heavily armed hate groups will continue to proliferate in America.

"We request that you create a Congressional panel to thoroughly investigate these groups," the letter stated. "They pose a real threat to American democracy, to our communities and to our residents. We are all deeply disturbed by the events that unfolded on Wednesday and we urge the appropriate legal and congressional responses against the individuals and groups involved to prevent similar actions in the future."

The letter notes that there were repeated efforts to reach Rep. Boebert to discuss the officials' concerns, with no response.

Officials from both parties signed the letter, representing a range of areas including Eagle County, Glenwood Springs, Gunnison County, Hinsdale County, Lake County, La Plata County, Ouray County, Pitkin County, Routt County, San Juan County, San Miguel County, Aspen, Avon, Basalt, Bayfield, Crested Butte, Durango, Lake City, Mountain Village, Ophir, Ridgway and Telluride. 

Chieftain reporter Heather Willard can be reached via email at hwillard@chieftain.com.