West Houston News

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) is calling for the release of body-worn camera video footage that captures an incident involving one of the January 6 detainees. Ronald “Colton” McAbee was reportedly sprayed with chemicals by Lieutenant Crystal Lancaster at the Washington D.C. Department of Corrections (DOC) after removing his COVID-19 mask to take medication.

According to reports received by Congressman Nehls, the incident occurred on September 5, 2022, when Mr. McAbee was in the process of receiving his medication. Lieutenant Lancaster aggressively approached him and deployed chemical munitions directly into his face at close range, multiple times, without any provocation. Congressman Nehls believes that if Lieutenant Lancaster used excessive force, it would be a violation of Mr. McAbee’s civil rights.

Congressman Nehls, who had the opportunity to visit the January 6 detainees at the D.C. DOC in January 2023, was initially told that the body-worn camera footage existed and would be made available to him. However, the D.C. DOC eventually denied his Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request and appeal.

During a recent House Judiciary Subcommittee hearing titled "Oversight of the United States Marshals Service," Congressman Nehls questioned Director Ronald Davis about his knowledge of the incident. Director Davis testified that he was not aware of the situation and had not reviewed the body-worn camera footage. However, he emphasized his commitment to ensuring that detainees are treated humanely and within federal standards. Director Davis pledged to work with Congressman Nehls and his team to fulfill the request for the bodycam video footage.

In response to Director Davis' commitment, Congressman Nehls expressed his gratitude and stated, "Every detainee, including those involved with the events that occurred on January 6, deserves to be treated humanely and receive due process. It is my mission to uncover this footage for Mr. McAbee and his family, who have received no support from the D.C. DOC following this incident. Bad news doesn't get better with time, and we must get to the bottom of what truly happened that day."

Congressman Nehls is determined to uncover the truth surrounding the incident and ensure that all detainees are treated with dignity and respect. He will continue to work with Director Davis and his team to obtain the body-worn camera video footage, shedding light on the events that took place on January 6, 2022.