AOC’s ‘Squad’ spending on private security revealed — Analysis
The congressional ‘Squad’ members spent greater than $325,000 on non-public safety regardless of their help of the Defund the Police motion
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and different ‘Squad’ members collectively spent greater than $325,000 on non-public safety in 2021, in response to a brand new Fox Information Digital report primarily based on Federal Election Fee (CDC) data.
Missouri Rep. Cori Bush led the spending, dropping roughly $200,000 final 12 months in non-public safety prices, greater than $65,000 of which was spent within the fourth quarter of the 12 months.
Bush’s automobile was reportedly shot a number of instances whereas parked in St. Louis in January. The congresswoman was not within the car and nobody was injured.
“Nobody ought to must worry for his or her security right here in St. Louis, and that’s precisely why our motion is working day-after-day to put money into our communities, eradicate the basis causes of gun violence, and hold each neighborhood protected,” she tweeted in regards to the incident. It isn’t believed the congresswoman was the goal of the taking pictures.
Different members of the ‘Squad’ spent tens of 1000’s on non-public safety, together with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York) who spent roughly $75,000 on safety in 2021.
“Defunding police means defunding police,” Ocasio-Cortez stated in 2020, following the loss of life of George Floyd.
Bush has equally supported defunding the police, saying final August it’s one thing that “has to occur.”
Safety prices have been paid out to firms reminiscent of Peace Safety and Complete Armor Government Safety.
Different supporters of the Defund the Police motion to place 1000’s into non-public safety embrace Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minnesota), who spent greater than $30,000, Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Massachusetts), who spent $14,000, and Rashida Tlaib (D-Michigan), who spent lower than others, with solely $3,000 in prices.
Following the January 6 Capitol riot final 12 months, non-public safety spending by congressional members elevated considerably, in response to stories, leaping considerably within the months following the incident.
Some politicians spent excess of the ‘Squad,’ although, with Democrat Stacey Abrams reportedly paying greater than $1.2 million final 12 months on non-public safety by a political motion committee. Abrams introduced lately that she would make one other run for governor of Georgia.
In 2020, Abrams referred to as for police sources to be “reallocated” and stated regulation enforcement wants a “transformation.”
“That’s the dialog we’re having: We’ll use completely different language to explain it, however essentially we will need to have reformation and transformation,” she stated.
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