Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney (D-Georgia) apologized on the House floor Thursday over her recent altercation with the Capitol police. McKinney expressed 'sincere regret' over the incident and offered her apology to the House.
'There should not have been any physical contact in this incident,' McKinney told the House. 'I am sorry that this misunderstanding happened at all and I regret its escalation and I apologize.'
The case has been sent to a grand jury for possible prosecution of the Congresswoman. Initially, McKinney said she had done nothing wrong and that she was a victim of racial profiling. The officer who was involved in the incident was white while McKinney is African-American.
McKinney had attempted to enter a House building without passing through a metal detector. Members of the House are allowed to pass through without being screened but McKinney was not wearing her House ID at the time. The officer asked McKinney to stop three times but she refused. The officer then laid a hand on McKinney who punched the officer according to eyewitness accounts.
The Congressional Black Caucus has not issued any statement on the matter. Meanwhile, some Republicans introduced legislation yesterday to praise the Capitol police.
Congressman Tom DeLay (R-Texas) quickly accused McKinney of racism. Speaking to Fox News, DeLay said, 'She has a long history of racism. 'Everything is racism with her. This is incredible arrogance that sometimes hits these members of Congress, but especially Cynthia McKinney.'
The case has now been turned over to U.S. Attorney Kenneth Wainstein. It remains to be seen if any criminal action is taken against McKinney.
