The "protest," as Lamborn describes it, wasn't the brainchild of the Colorado Springs politician. He was just following in the footsteps of California congressman Duncan Hunter, who first took down the painting, which was rehung by the Congressional Black Caucus several times.
“I could not, in good conscience, continue to walk by a painting that so flagrantly disrespected the brave police officers that protect us here in the Capitol and in our communities across the country," Lamborn explains in a statement.
"I decided to continue the protest started by my colleague Congressman Hunter," Lamborn adds. "I hope that permanent action is taken to remove this brazen attack on the brave men and women who make up the thin blue line.”
The Hill's Christina Marcos reports that last week, the official Capitol architect ruled that the painting violated House Office Building Commission policies prohibiting artworks that depict "subjects of contemporary political controversy of a sensationalistic or gruesome nature.”
Giving context to Lamborn's actions, his communications director, Jarred Rego, points to the rules of the contest: "While it is not the intent to censor any artwork, we do wish to avoid artwork that is potentially inappropriate for display in this highly travelled area leading to the Capitol."
Representative Doug Lamborn poses with artist Simone Brewer, in front of her charcoal drawing, which was displayed at the U.S. Capitol as part of the Congressional Art Competition.
Courtesy of Rep. Doug Lamborn's office
Lamborn declined an interview request with Westword to discuss the role of government in art.
