Pelosi threatens $5,000 fines for House members that bypass Capitol metal detectors

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) announced severe fines, $5,000 for the first offense and $10,000 for the second for House members who avoid metal detectors. These detectors were set up at entrances in the wake of the Jan. 6 riot at the US Capitol. The fines were threatened after several Republican lawmakers refused to go through the detectors.

Pelosi alleged that Republicans "disrespected our heroes by verbally abusing them" and that these members have been "refusing to adhere to basic precautions keeping members of our Congressional community, including the Capitol Police, safe."

Pursuant to the United States and District of Columbia Criminal codes, firearms, dangerous weapons, explosives, or incendiary devices are prohibited on US Capitol Grounds.

Multiple GOP House members have avoided the machines since their installation. Some consider the restrictions an infringement on their Second Amendment rights. Some worry about their personal protection after the attack. Others consider it their duty to protect the chamber.