In a letter sent Monday, lawmakers told Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger that the seven people on Colbert’s crew were part of a team that was informed by Capitol police to leave the building on Thursday.
Lawmakers noted that the seven-member team gained access to the Capitol building with the help of representatives Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) And Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.), Adding that it was unclear whether the House selection committee was investigating the attack. on January 6, 2021, the Capitol was involved with Colbert’s team plan at the Capitol.
“These individuals have been arrested and charged with trespassing after causing ‘disturbances’ in the offices of several Republicans, including ‘knocking’ on the doors of their offices,” lawmakers said.
“The individuals were initially at the Capitol Complex in connection with the activities of the Selection Committee on January 6, but it is not clear whether the Selection Committee was involved or aware of the planned harassment of these individuals in Republican offices.”
Lawmakers asked Manger to provide a report on the incident, witness statements and other material related to the crew’s arrest, as well as security plans and photographs.
“Please provide this material as soon as possible. “If you are unable to comply immediately with this request due to ongoing law enforcement sensitivities, we urge you to assure us that you have taken all necessary steps to maintain the material in the United States Capitol Detention or Police Control.” the legislators concluded.
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CBS confirmed to The Hill on Friday that Colbert’s production team had been arrested by Capitol police, saying they were in the building interviewing for a broadcast.
Capitol police said in a statement that the men had been arrested and charged with entering the Longworth House building illegally.
“Their interviews at the Capitol were approved and pre-arranged through the assistants of the members of Congress who were interviewed,” the network said in a statement, adding that “After leaving the members’ offices at their last interview of the day, the production team remained in the cinematic stand-up and other latest elements of comedy in theaters when they were arrested by the Capitol police “.
