Michael Balsamo, Associated Press
Published Friday, June 17, 2022 10:05 pm EDT
WASHINGTON ( Associated Press) – US Capitol Police said Friday that officers arrested seven unauthorized people Thursday night at a congressional office building and charged them with unlawful entry.
People identified themselves as being affiliated with CBS’s “Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” a person familiar with the matter told the Associated Press.
Another person familiar with the matter provided the Associated Press with a list of nine people who were stopped by Capitol Police. They included several producers along with Robert Smigel, the voice behind Triumph the Insult Comic Dog.
Two people who spoke with the Associated Press could not discuss the details of the investigation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
The incident follows the third public hearing on Thursday night by a House panel investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol rebellion.
“Capitol Police said they were notified of a disturbance at the Longworth House office building at around 8:30 p.m.,” the agency said in a statement. “The building was closed to visitors, and these individuals were determined to be part of a group that was directed by the USCP to leave the building earlier in the day.”
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, CBS said the production team was at Capitol Wednesday and Thursday to record a comedy segment featuring Triumph.
“His interviews at Capital were authorized and pre-arranged through members of Congress’ aides,” the network said. “After the members left the office on their final interview of the day, the production team stayed in the hall to film stand-up and other final comedy elements when they were detained by Capitol Police.”
The USCP statement said the case is “an active criminal investigation, and may result in additional criminal charges.” Capitol Police declined to name those arrested, in a departure from standard practice.
