Politics

DC delegate denies responsibility for releasing zebras from local farm after viral accusation

by on

More in Politics:

Congresswoman Eleanor Norton (D-DC) denied responsibility for letting loose six zebras that have been on the run in Maryland.

While Norton, who is known for her support of the District of Columbia becoming the nation’s 51st state and a critic of having permanent fencing around the U.S. Capitol, did not specify who accused her of releasing the animals, a news release issued by her office said that the “charges were made known when a member of the public noted that, historically, Norton has valued the principle of consent of the governed, most notably in the fight for statehood for the District.”

“My alibi is solid, but given my career of fighting for statehood for the District, which includes years of explaining the importance of having consent of the governed, and given my recent opposition to fences, I can understand why the charge was made. I hope the owners find the zebras and that all involved live long, full lives.” Norton said in the press release.

When asked about Norton’s seemingly random declaration, the lawmaker’s communications director Sharon Eliza Nichols told The Washington Post that it was a way to raise awareness about D.C. statehood.

According to Nichols, Norton’s zebra statement was also a nod to one that Newt Gingrich had released back in 2013, when a red panda broke out of the National Zoo and the former House Speaker joked on Twitter that he had “an alibi” for when the animal escaped.

Taylor said on Friday that the zebras have been congregating around a feeding station set up animal control officials, according to The Post. Officials hope that officers will be able to corral the animals and return them to the farm soon.

ARTICLE: JENNIFER BARRETO-LEYVA
MANAGING EDITOR: CARSON CHOATE
PHOTO CREDITS: PEOPLE.COM

The following two tabs change content below.

Jennifer Barreto-Leyva

Jennifer is a CEO, executive producer, host of "Politics in skirts," and a former correspondent for Fox News. She is a lawyer, journalist, and TV and radio host.

Jennifer is a CEO, executive producer, host of "Politics in skirts," and a former correspondent for Fox News. She is a lawyer, journalist, and TV and radio host.

Leave a Reply