North Dakota House Majority Leader Mike Lefor and state GOP leaders are calling for the resignation of a state representative accused of making homophobic and anti-migrant remarks to a Williston police officer who arrested him for driving drunk.
When Republican Rep. Nico Rios of Williston was stopped Dec. 15th…the officer said Rios “was verbally abusive, homophobic, racially abusive and discriminatory” toward him.
Lefor says Rios tried to use his position as a lawmaker to intimidate the officer and avoid an arrest. Lefor says there’s no room in the legislature for such behavior.
Lefor says the State Republican Party supports his call for Rios to resign.
Rios has since apologized for his behavior. He is due in municipal court on Feb. 5.
Rios was elected last year to the state House of Representatives. He sits on the House Judiciary Committee, a panel that handles law enforcement legislation.
= =
(Release from Mike Lefor’s office:)
North Dakota House Majority Leader Mike Lefor (R-Dickinson) called for the resignation of Representative Nico Rios (R-Williston) over the weekend following comments made by Rios during a recent DUI arrest. The comments were described by law enforcement as “verbally abusive, homophobic, racially abusive, and discriminatory.” Rios also attempted to use his position as a lawmaker to intimidate police and avoid an arrest.
“I am extremely disappointed in Rep. Rios’ actions. After discussions with House leadership and the state Republican Party, I have asked for his resignation. There is no room in the legislature, or our party, for this behavior. I understand people make mistakes, but his comments and defiance to law enforcement are beyond the pale. In addition, any lawmaker attempting to use his or her elected position to threaten anyone or skirt the law is completely unacceptable,” said Leader Lefor.
The North Dakota Republican Party agreed with Leader Lefor’s position calling for Rios to resign. “Rep. Rios’ actions and words fall short of the basic decency we expect from any of our neighbors. He endangered the community he was elected to serve and disrespected peace officers. This violates our core values as Republicans. I support the House Leader’s decision to call for his resignation,” said North Dakota Republican Party Chairwoman Sandra Sanford.
“While I hope Rep Rios will learn from this incident, we must hold our elected officials to a higher standard of conduct in the interest of both public safety and our unwavering support of law enforcement,” said John Trandem, First Vice Chair of the North Dakota Republican Party, “I completely support Leader Lefor asking Rios to resign.”
Leader Lefor echoed that support, adding, “I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Williston Police Department for their exemplary professionalism demonstrated during the arrest, even in the face of insults. Your commitment to maintaining order and ensuring public safety reflects the highest standards of law enforcement. Thank you for your dedication and poise in upholding justice.”