Shays Offers Apology for Spat With Officer

Pilates
for
Every Body

A Place for Women to Build a Stronger Center

Private Training
and Classes

Mat, Strength Training, Yamuna Body Rolling

VOTED BEST
OF WESTPORT

pilatesforevery
bodywestport.com

Painting Company

For all of your painting and wallpapering needs.

Call George now for a free estimate:
203-241-8922

Mention WestportNow and get 10% discount

Rex
Marine Center

Inflatables & Outboards!
Mobile Service Available

Visit our Marine Stores
144 Water Street
South Norwalk
203-831-5236

At Norwalk Cove Marina
50 Calf Pasture Beach Rd
East Norwalk
203-604-1295

www.rexmarine.com

Westport - Gorgeous OFFICE SUITES for lease by owner. Single offices to larger suites
(1,000- 6,500 s.f.)
203-226-6969

Live Better at the Same Address in a Better-Built Home

Learn how modular homes are built
on your property.

Call 203-858-7198
westportmodular.com

Tear Down Specialists!

News, Politics

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Rep. Christopher Shays said Friday he will apologize to a Capitol Police officer for his behavior Thursday during an incident at the Capitol.

Shays, the 4th District Republican who twice defeated former Westport First Selectwoman Diane Farrell for re-election, had been on his cell phone trying to find a family of his constituents caught in a rainstorm at the Capitol’s West Front, according to news reports.

He asked the intern guiding the family to hand a cell phone to the nearest Capitol Police officer, who could explain their location.

The officer refused, according to the reports, because officers are not allowed to speak on cell phones while manning their posts.

CQ.com said Shays arrived on the scene and confronted the officer “in a profanity-laced tirade.”

Shays “delivered a tongue-lashing, including several instances of the ‘F-word,’ to the officer before grabbing the name tag on the front of his uniform.” CQ.com said

Shays issued a statement apologizing for the incident.

“Yesterday while trying to locate a family of constituents caught on the West Front of the Capitol during a rainstorm, I interacted with a Capitol Police officer in a way I know was not appropriate,” Shays said, according to CQ.com

“Although my focus was in trying to locate my constituents and get them to a dry location, I know I clearly could have handled the situation with the officer in a more professional and respectful way, and I regret I did not do so,”

Sgt. Kimberly A. Schneider, spokeswoman for the Capitol Police, said in a statement, “The officer chose to handle the matter by filing a courtesy complaint against the Member,” CQ.com reported.

“After personally meeting with the officer, Chief of Police Phillip D. Morse, Sr. and Assistant Chief of Police Dan Nichols discussed the matter with Congressman Shays who acknowledged he acted inappropriately in the heat of the moment and took full responsibility for his actions.

“The Congressman stated his full support and admiration for the officers of the U.S. Capitol Police and offered his apologies.”

“Chief Morse fully supports the officer involved in this matter and commends the officer for properly following policy and procedure during this encounter.”

Shays said, “When I return to Washington on Monday, I hope to have the opportunity to meet with the officer and apologize to him in person,” adding, “I take full responsibility for this incident and want to ensure it does not reflect negatively on the officer in any way,” according to CQ.com.

News, Politics

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Shays Offers Apology for Spat With Officer

Comments: Comment Policy