President-elect Joe Biden is lambasting Republicans who chose not to wear masks while they were gathered together during the riots at the U.S. Capitol.
“Quite frankly it was shocking to see members of the Congress while the Capitol was under siege, by a deadly mob of thugs, refuse to wear a mask while they were in a secure location,” Biden said while delivering remarks in Wilmington, Delaware on Friday.
He added, “I’m so proud of my congresswoman right here in the state of Delaware, Lisa Blunt Rochester, trying to hand out masks while people are lying on the floor, huddled up, and Republican colleagues refusing to put them on. What the hell is the matter with them? It’s time to grow up.”
Biden noted at least four members of Congress, including a cancer survivor at the Capitol, tested positive for COVID-19.
Watch the video below:
"What the hell is the matter with them? It's time to grow up" — Biden on Republicans who refused to wear masks during the Capitol riot pic.twitter.com/oTDoDqhJRw
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 15, 2021
“For God’s sake, wear a mask if not for yourself, for your loved ones, for your country. These are real matters of life and death,” Biden said.
He argued wearing a mask is not a political issue.
“This is about saving lives. I know it’s become a partisan issue, but what a stupid, stupid thing for it to happen. This is a patriotic act. We’re asking you. We’re in a war with this virus,” Biden explained.
New York Rep. Adriano Espaillat became the fourth member of Congress to test positive for COVID-19, as IJR previously reported.
“I am following guidance from my physician and quarantining at home after having tested positive for COVID-19,” he wrote on Twitter.
He added, “I have continued to be tested regularly, wear my mask and follow the recommended guidelines. I will continue my duties representing New York’s 13th congressional district remotely until I have received clearance from my doctor.”
