Ricketts Apologizes After Trying to Use Capitol Police to Block Questions
Ricketts later apologized after telling Capitol Police to stop the reporter, while questions over McConnell’s health and capacity to serve continued.
- On Thursday, Nebraska Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts called Capitol Police to stop TMZ reporter Charlie Cotton from asking about 84-year-old colleague Mitch McConnell's health during a Capitol corridor encounter.
- McConnell has been absent from the Capitol since June 14 due to an undisclosed health issue, prompting his team to release a new proof-of-life photo this week insisting he is working to return to his full schedule.
- Footage shows Ricketts gesturing at Cotton and his cameraman, telling officers, "These guys are not" with him, while Cotton protested he had "already been through security" before law enforcement stopped the pair.
- On Friday, Ricketts issued a public apology, writing that he "reacted poorly," which Cotton accepted by stating he respects "anyone who can take accountability when they make a mistake."
- Other Capitol Hill reporters defended Cotton, noting that following members of Congress in public hallways is common practice, as the video has garnered more than 200,000 views and sparked broader press access discussions.
6 Articles
6 Articles
Ricketts apologizes after trying to use Capitol Police to block questions
Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) on Friday issued an apology for trying to utilize Capitol Police to shield him from a reporter's questions on Sen. Mitch McConnell's (R-Ky.) health a day earlier. Ricketts, in a post online, said he “reacted poorly” and he appreciated TMZ D.C.’s Charlie Cotton for “taking his call” to apologize. TMZ launched...
GOP senator calls over Capitol Police after reporter asks him about Mitch McConnell
Nebraska’s Pete Ricketts was caught on camera attracting the attention of security after he was approached about his absent colleague - but later apologized for his handling of the incident
Senator triggers online backlash after 'ludicrous' fracas with reporter: 'What is this?'
A Republican senator apologized for siccing security on a reporter, but it came too late to avoid being skewered online.On Thursday, Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) called for security and ran away after TMZ DC co-managing editor Charlie Cotton pressed him with questions about the absence of Sen. Mitch Mc...
GOP Senator Calls Over Capitol Police to Help Him Evade TMZ Reporter Asking About Mitch McConnell
Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) really did not want to answer questions from TMZ DC reporter Charlie Cotton about Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), even enlisting the Capitol Police to help him escape.
Senator Calls Security To Dodge McConnell Questions
The Daily Beast reports: “Do you think Mitch McConnell needs to do more to prove his health?” reporter Charlie Cotton asked Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts, 61, as the two walked up a flight of stairs. “I think we should give Mitch the time he needs to be able to recover and come back to the Senate, and we’re praying for him and wish him well,” Ricketts said, as they approached a security checkpoint with two guards and a metal detector. “Yeah, but w…
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