North Dakota Republican state Rep. Nico Rios of Williston was charged with drunken driving and refusing to provide a chemical test.
Body camera footage shows Rios making homophobic and anti-migrant remarks to the arresting officer.
Rios apologized for his behavior and vowed to support law enforcement. (Trending: Democrat Found Guilty In Corruption Trial)
Nobody is more of a straight shooter than I am, and to put it bluntly I have to say that I messed up. Below is my official statement. pic.twitter.com/GwQA1zm0gX
— Rep. Nico Rios (@nico4nd23) December 18, 2023
According to an officer’s report, Rios “was verbally abusive, homophobic, racially abusive and discriminatory…for the entire duration of the incident following road side testing.”
Rios reportedly said the officers would, “regret picking on me because you don’t know who … I am.”
“How many of your … friends and family members have been … brutalized and terrorized by … migrants?” Rios reportedly asked an officer during his transport.
“Inebriated or not my actions and words to law enforcement that night were absolutely unacceptable,” wrote Rios in an email.
Promising, “to make sure this never happens again.”
“Moving forward after this night I feel like I have to emphasize my complete and total commitment to supporting Law Enforcement,” continued Rios.
Rios said he has “only gotten support from my colleagues, although a few have yelled at me for sure I deserved it.”
The North Dakota Republican Party and Democratic Party both condemned Rios’ behavior.
Republican House Majority Leader Mike Lefor is considering options in response to the incident.
North Dakota Republican Party Chairwoman Sandi Sanford commented, “We are deeply troubled by Rep. Rios’ dangerous decision to drive while intoxicated and his remarks to law enforcement officers. His behavior does not represent the values of the NDGOP.”
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