Federal watchdog accuses Architect of the Capitol of ethics violations over offer to give 'patriots'

[Justice]

9. The buried lede is offering private tours of the Capitol during fall of 2020 to "PATRIOTS"

"Throughout the investigation, the OIG obtained multiple social media posts created by M. Blanton, including photographs of congressional license plates and a photograph of her and Blanton on September 30, 2020, from the dome of the U.S. Capitol with a comment stating, “This is happening!!!” and “All PATRIOTS welcome…PM me � �� �.” The specific comment was then later edited to read “*Patriots=Americans who love America. Not a candidate.” On the same date, an additional photograph taken from the U.S. Capitol was posted with the comment, “Contact me for a private tour. All PATRIOTS accepted! While it is not against AOC policy to post photographs from the U.S. Capitol, M. Blanton openly offered tours of the building while it was closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, on December 28, 2021, M. Blanton publicly published images and comments on social media stating she took her swim team on a tour of the U.S. Capitol while it was still closed to the public. None of the posts or photographs are specifically in violation of U.S. Code (U.S.C.); however, offering private tours of the U.S. Capitol creates the appearance of impropriety and using a public position for private gain, which is a violation of AOC policy."