Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

riversedge

(70,218 posts)
Thu Feb 1, 2024, 08:38 AM Feb 1

Press Release; U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden {R,WI] Hit with Ethics Complaint Over Bullying Teenagers

Lets hope it sticks to this bully!

Wisconsin @GOP
U. S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden hit with ethics complaint

Van Orden has a history of verbal insults and outbursts.


?s=20





Press Release
Derrick Van Orden Hit with Ethics Complaint Over Bullying Teenagers


https://dccc.org/derrick-van-orden-hit-with-ethics-complaint-over-bullying-teenagers/



Tuesday, January 30, 2024

An ethics complaint has been filed against Derrick Van Orden by one of his constituents, requesting that the Office of Congressional Ethics investigate him for accosting and being “physically aggressive” toward teenage Senate pages in the Capitol rotunda.

This wasn’t the first time he’s bullied kids. He blew up at a teenage library worker in his district over an LGBTQ book display.

Van Orden’s temper tantrums also extend beyond children. He “shouted obscenities” at a Biden Administration official during a briefing and was on Capitol grounds during the January 6th insurrection.

It’s no wonder Van Orden is becoming increasingly vulnerable as Wisconsinites hold him accountable.

American Journal News: Wisconsin Rep. Derrick Van Orden hit with ethics complaint
Jesse Valentine | January 30, 2024

An ethics complaint has been filed against Wisconsin Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden. He is accused of berating and being physically aggressive towards Senate pages.

“There is no doubt that the allegations about Van Orden’s behavior toward young Senate pages reflect discreditably on the House,” the complaint says. “The public expects Members to conduct themselves with civility and decency — especially when they are acting in their official capacity and inside the halls of Congress.”

The incident in question occurred on July 26, 2023. A group of Senate pages, who are high school aged, were lying on the floor of the Capitol building’s rotunda and taking photos of the dome above. Van Orden allegedly started screaming at them and using curse words, accusing them of “defiling” the space.

Witnesses described his demeanor as physically aggressive.

A spokesperson for Van Orden did not respond to a request to comment for this story. In a previous statement, Van Orden did not dispute the accusations.

The complaint will now be reviewed by the House Committee on Ethics who will decide whether to investigate the incident. It could result in an array of disciplinary actions including censure or expulsion.

This is not the only time Van Orden lost his temper.

In 2021, Van Orden allegedly yelled at a 17 year old public library employee about a gay pride display that he found offensive. In October 2023, Van Orden reportedly shouted obscenities at Biden officials during a classified briefing about Israel.

Van Orden also attended the Stop the Steal Rally that preceded the Jan. 6, 2021 attack by supporters of former President Donald Trump on the U.S. Capitol.


2 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Press Release; U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden {R,WI] Hit with Ethics Complaint Over Bullying Teenagers (Original Post) riversedge Feb 1 OP
Van Ordnance bucolic_frolic Feb 1 #1
Good! 2naSalit Feb 1 #2
Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Wisconsin»Press Release; U.S. Rep. ...