Rep. Barbara Lee Complains She Was Stopped on Elevator at Capitol by “White Guy”
Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) claims that a “white guy” stopped her from getting on the “members-only” elevator at the Capitol building. She shared this statement during an interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins. She then proceeded to insist that institutional racism is inherent in the country’s DNA, then pivoted to her story of personal racism experienced as a member of Congress.
According to Lee, she was walking to the Capitol when a man, who she described as a white guy, stopped her and told her she could not get into the members’ elevator. She recounted that he blocked her from entering the elevator and told her that it was for members only. She further claimed that she showed the man her pin as proof of her membership and he questioned whose pin she stole.
The representative asserts that the “white guy” doubted her legitimacy as a member of Congress, possibly based on her race.
Twitter Reaction to Lee’s Claim
Immediately following the airing of Lee’s remarks, many people voiced their skepticism about the authenticity of her claims, comparing her story to that of the Jussie Smollett incident. The reference to Jussie Smollett is derived from the former actor’s fabricated story about being attacked in Chicago.
Dinesh D’Souza, a conservative documentary filmmaker, weighed in on Lee’s story and emphasized that it seemed to have a “Jussie Smollett ring of inauthenticity.” He also pointed out that Kaitlan Collins’ reaction further contributed to the perception of political fakery and questioned the truthfulness of her claims.
Others on Twitter echoed the sentiments of skepticism, suggesting that Lee’s account seemed implausible, and implored for the review of security footage to verify her story.
One user pointed out that if the incident did occur, it is egregious. However, the user emphasized that the presence of security footage would be the most straightforward means of validation.
Lee’s Disruption During a Congressional Hearing
This incident follows another in which Lee attempted to disrupt the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, ultimately being rejected by Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL). Lee insisted on accessing the committee’s meeting without the required consent of the officials, leading to tension during the hearing.
In response to her behavior, Salazar stated that she did not allow Lee to disseminate communist propaganda during the Cuba hearing and emphasized that members required full consent to participate in committee proceedings.
Moreover, Lee documented her expulsion from the premises and claimed she was ejected due to disagreements with the Republicans during the hearing. They were discussing the Biden administration’s approach to Cuba.
Lee’s Admiration for Fidel Castro
Lee’s enthusiasm for disrupting formal meetings is not an isolated instance. She has also demonstrated her appreciation for the Cuban dictator, Fidel Castro, praising him following his passing. According to Lee, Castro deserves to be mourned for leading social improvements in Cuba. This underscores Lee’s representation of her constituents and her stance bordering on extreme admiration for communist ideals.
In conclusion, Rep. Barbara Lee’s controversial remarks and disruptive behavior have sparked responses from various parties. People have expressed skepticism about her narratives and actions, nascent concerns about her honesty and legislative decorum.