Second Democrat Tests Positive After Capitol Lockdown With Maskless Republicans
In a furious statement, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) accused Republicans of “creating a superspreader event on top of a domestic terrorist attack.”

Reuters/Graeme Jennings
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) has tested positive for the coronavirus days after being forced to shelter with maskless Republicans during last week’s insurrection at the U.S. Capitol—and she’s absolutely furious. In a searing statement, Jayapal said she had no choice but to seek safety from Trumpist rioters in a secure room in the Capitol where several Republican lawmakers refused to wear masks. “Only hours after President Trump incited a deadly assault on our Capitol, our country, and our democracy, many Republicans still refused to take the bare minimum COVID-19 precaution and simply wear a damn mask in a crowded room during a pandemic—creating a superspreader event on top of a domestic terrorist attack,” said Jayapal in her statement. Earlier Monday, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) confirmed she had received a positive rapid COVID-19 test.
I just received a positive COVID-19 test result after being locked down in a secured room at the Capitol where several Republicans not only cruelly refused to wear a mask but recklessly mocked colleagues and staff who offered them one.https://t.co/wVmgroKsdf
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) January 12, 2021
Register below to read this article for free or subscribe
to unlock unlimited access to The Daily Beast.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Already have an account? Sign In
Looks like you already have a subscription!
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.