The Spin: Kinzinger says he was armed during Capitol riot | Illinois National Guard mobilized amid security threats | Pritzker, Lightfoot aren’t attending inauguration - Chicago Tribune

Adam Kinzinger, an outspoken critic of fellow Republican President Donald Trump, said he anticipated violence could ensue during Congress’ Jan.

Kinzinger said during an interview on the CBS News podcast “The Takeout” that he brought a gun with him to his Capitol Hill office that day.

Capitol reached the House floor, the Channahon lawmaker was sitting in his office with his gun out, thinking, “I may have to defend myself,” he said during an interview with CBS chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett.

Adam Kinzinger said on the “The Takeout” podcast: “Yeah, absolutely,” and added “I think the number of threats out there are real.”.

Kinzinger said he took seriously the threatening comments he saw posted on social media in the days leading up to Congress’ convening for what is typically a ceremonial count of the Electoral College votes.

Kinzinger said he normally doesn’t carry a gun into the Capitol complex because there is plenty of law enforcement and other security there.

No one pounded on his office door or tried to force their way in, as happened to other lawmakers and their staffs, Kinzinger said.

“It was the most bizarre thing I’ve ever read,” Kinzinger said.

Rodney Davis, a Republican from Taylorville, said the detectors, set up as a security precaution following the Capitol riot, were a waste of resources.