Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) on Saturday slammed “lying scum bags” after Twitter users circulated a misleading video that appeared to show him refusing to clap for Capitol Officer Eugene Goodman during a standing ovation.
Paul said that he supported the Capitol Police and “cheered” Goodman when the hero was honored at the Capitol for his bravery during January 6 insurrection.
There is no bigger supporter of the Capitol Police than me. They saved our lives on the ball field. Yesterday I stood and cheered and clapped as we awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to Officer Goodman. Any deceptive media edits are from lying scum bags.
— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) February 13, 2021
Some on Twitter had claimed that videos showed Paul sat for most of the ovation and didn’t clap.
Watch Rand Paul as the Senate gives a standing ovation to Officer Goodman and all of the Captiol law officers. pic.twitter.com/Ikcizo1LXV
— Mystery Solvent (@MysterySolvent) February 12, 2021
But the video appears to be selectively edited. Other videos from the event show that Paul did stand and clap along with his fellow lawmakers:
Many Twitter users accused Paul of being a “liar.” See the attacks in the tweets below:
You're lying.
But what else can we expect from a guy who has no respect for laws, democracy, American values, morals, ethics, integrity or patriotism?
— Nicole "Vaxxed & Boosted" Belle 🇺🇦 (@NicoleBelle) February 14, 2021
We could see you on video dude
— ThunderLizard (@IamOnlyCumin) February 13, 2021
I don’t like you at all – that’s as positive as I can get about you because I’m embarrassed that you’re my senator but a one second clip from a video in no way represents someone’s actions. They should play the whole thing if they want to prove it.
— Laura Seigle (@laura_seigle) February 13, 2021
Rand just wants to be in a power position. He want to be re elected. Pick another Republican in Kentucky and vote Rand ass out.
— nonbelieverCA (@nonbelieverCA) February 14, 2021
Yes …..We'll never forget!!
— Angel_Wings (@AngelWi42574649) February 14, 2021
FYI, this previous tweet is not directed at Rand Paul. This is directed at Dems and Republicrats who use there influence to engage in political warfare to keep us all divided. In battle keep the enemy or target forces divided, let them unite and victory will be unachievable.
— HMNAVY97 (@hmnavy97) February 14, 2021
I didn’t see any clapping and I didn’t see a mask
— Tina (@TinaSensing1) February 13, 2021
I didn’t see any clapping and I didn’t see a mask
— Tina (@TinaSensing1) February 13, 2021
I love me some alternative facts.
— F.redick (@redick_f) February 14, 2021
(Correction: A previous version of this story failed to mention that Rand Paul did stand and clap for Eugene Goodman. Raw Story regrets the error.)
