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Category Archives: ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture
Is it illegal to lock a member of Congress in the Chambers?
~ Grok, answers

Locking a member of Congress in the chambers would likely be considered illegal under several U.S. laws, depending on the context and intent. While there’s no specific statute explicitly addressing “locking a member of Congress in the chambers,” such an act could fall under broader laws related to kidnapping, false imprisonment, or interfering with official duties. Here’s a breakdown of potential legal implications:
- False Imprisonment: This is the unlawful restraint of a person’s freedom of movement without their consent. Locking someone in a room against their will could meet this definition under state or federal law. For example, in the District of Columbia (where Congress is located), false imprisonment is a crime under common law and could lead to civil or criminal penalties.
- Kidnapping or Unlawful Detention: If the act involves force or intent to harm, it could escalate to kidnapping, a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 1201. Kidnapping carries severe penalties, including up to seven years in prison or more if aggravating factors are present.
- Interference with Official Duties: Members of Congress are federal officials, and obstructing their ability to perform their duties could violate 18 U.S.C. § 351, which protects members of Congress from assault, kidnapping, or threats. Interfering with their legislative responsibilities might also be construed as a violation of federal law protecting government functions.
- Capitol Security Laws: The U.S. Capitol is a highly secure federal building governed by specific regulations. Actions disrupting the safety or movement of members within the Capitol could violate laws enforced by the U.S. Capitol Police, such as those under 2 U.S.C. § 1961, which governs Capitol security.
- Civil Rights Violations: If the act targets a member based on protected characteristics (e.g., race, gender, or political affiliation), it could trigger additional federal civil rights violations under laws like 42 U.S.C. § 1983 or 18 U.S.C. § 241.
Intent, context, and jurisdiction matter significantly. For example, a prank might be treated less severely than an act with malicious intent, but both could still be illegal. Penalties could range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity and applicable laws.If you’re referring to a specific incident or hypothetical scenario, please provide more details, and I can tailor the response further. Additionally, I can search for any recent legal cases or news related to Capitol security if needed.
Disclaimer: Grok is not a lawyer; please consult one. Don’t share information that can identify you.
Explain false imprisonment
Capitol security measures
Source: Grok
8/18 1920 – Tennessee ratified the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The Amendment guaranteed the right of all American women to vote.



on this day … 8/18
1227 – The Mongol conqueror Ghengis Khan died.
1587 – Virginia Dare became the first child to be born on American soil of English parents. The colony that is now Roanoke Island, NC, mysteriously vanished.
1735 – The “Evening Post” of Boston, MA, was published for the first time.
1840 – The American Society of Dental Surgeons was founded in New York City, NY.
1846 – Gen. Stephen W. Kearney and his U.S. forces captured Santa Fe, NM.
1894 – The Bureau of Immigration was established by the U.S. Congress.
1914 – The “Proclamation of Neutrality” was issued by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson. It was aimed at keeping the U.S.out of World War I.
1916 – Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace was made into a national shrine.
1919 – The “Anti-Cigarette League of America” was formed in Chicago IL.
1920 – Tennessee ratified the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The Amendment guaranteed the right of all American women to vote.
1937 – The first FM radio construction permit was issued in Boston, MA. The station went on the air two years later.
1938 – The Thousand Islands Bridge was dedicated by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The bridge connects the U.S.and Canada.
1940 – Canada and the U.S. established a joint defense plan against the possible enemy attacks during World War II.
1958 – Vladimir Nabokov’s novel “Lolita” was published.
1963 – James Meredith graduated from the University of Mississippi. He was the first black man to accomplish this feat.
1966 – The first pictures of earth taken from moon orbit were sent back to the U.S.
1982 – The volume on the New York Stock Exchange topped the 100-million level for the first time at 132.69 million shares traded.
1987 – Earl Campbell announced his retirement from the National Football League (NFL).
1990 – The first shots were fired by the U.S. in the Persian Gulf Crisis when a U.S. frigate fired rounds across the bow of an Iraqi oil tanker.
1991 – An unsuccessful coup was attempted in against President Mikhail S. Gorbachev. The Soviet hard-liners were responsible. Gorbechev and his family were effectively imprisoned for three days while vacationing in Crimea.
1997 – Beth Ann Hogan became the first coed in the Virginia Military Institute’s 158-year history.

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