Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell, of California, slammed House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) on Tuesday for sending fried chicken to U.S. Capitol Police officers, writing that it was “fitting” that the lawmaker “dishonors the police but sends them … chicken.”
David Laufman, a lawyer who represented two Capitol Police officers at the House select committee’s first hearing in July, tweeted a photo on Tuesday of bags of Chick-fil-A fried chicken that McCarthy sent to Capitol Police officers. The photo included a note from McCarthy that read “Thank you for all you do!”
Laufman criticized McCarthy for the gesture, writing on Twitter “am sure it’s delicious, but would prefer support for democracy and the rule of law if you’re not tapped out #rememberJanuary6 #protectdemocracy.”
Swalwell then retweeted Laufman’s message, writing that “tons” of Capitol Police officers were “texting me this in disbelief.”
“@GOPLeader McCarthy dishonors the police but sends them…chicken. Fitting,” he added.
According to Politico, some officers opted not to eat the chicken and “expressed disappointment” that McCarthy would show the Capitol Police support in a private setting with chicken instead of publicly through legislation.
Tons of USCP officers texting me this in disbelief. @GOPLeader McCarthy dishonors the police but sends them…chicken. Fitting. https://t.co/iF14xVRp5o
— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) September 7, 2021