The incident happened inside Hart Senate Office Building on Dec. 13
The U.S. Capitol Police announced on Thursday that they have decided not to press charges in connection with the recording of a “sex video” inside the Hart Senate Office Building on the morning of Wednesday, December 13.
“After consulting with federal and local prosecutors, and conducting a thorough investigation and review of potential charges, it was concluded that, although there may have been a violation of Congressional policy, there is currently no evidence to suggest that a crime was committed,” the agency stated in a release to US Newzs.
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“Even though the hearing room was not open to the public during that time, the Congressional staffer implicated had access to the room. Both individuals of interest did not cooperate, and the necessary elements for potential crimes were not met,” Capitol Police further stated.
“The Congressional staffer, who has resigned from his position, invoked his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and declined to engage with us,” authorities added. “Our investigators are open to reviewing any new evidence that may emerge.”
The Daily Caller, the first to report on the video, disclosed that the footage was leaked in a chat and was “shared in a private group for gay men in politics.” Subsequently, a staff member affiliated with Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., was dismissed in connection with the video.
“I was angry. I was disappointed,” Cardin told US Newzs in December while discussing the scandal. “It’s a breach of trust.”
Cardin opted not to disclose the name of the staffer involved, citing it as a “personnel issue.” The Democratic Senator mentioned that he was unaware of any additional disciplinary matters concerning the staffer and had not communicated with him since the termination.
Room 216 in the Hart Senate Office Building holds a significant history as a storied hearing room. The platform where the explicit video was recorded is the same space where U.S. senators have conducted rigorous questioning of high-profile presidential nominees, including individuals who eventually became Supreme Court justices.