What?! Congressman Hangs Painting in US Capitol Depicting Cops as Animals

Rep. William Lacy Clay (D-MO) is coming under fire from police in the St. Louis area over a painting that he placed in the US Capitol complex.

The painting, which depicts police as animals and was chosen by Clay as the winner of a student art competition, has hung in the hall that connect House buildings for a few months now. In response to to the St. Louis County Police Association calling it a “punch in the mouth,” Clay said he wouldn’t take it down.

He also released a statement that said he wouldn’t attempt to “disapprove artistic expression.”

“Members of Congress support student art competitions in our districts but we do not select the young artists and we do not judge the artwork.

“I had no role in selecting the winner of this student art competition and I would never attempt to approve or disapprove artistic expression.

“The U.S. Capitol is a symbol of freedom, not censorship. The young artist chose his own subject and the painting will not be removed.”

During today’s broadcast of The Five, host Eric Bolling ripped into Clay’s decision to leave the painting up.

“Take it down,” Bolling said. “I’m saying this to 3 million people watching right now. Call your congressman or call his office and say, get that picture down.”

Watch the clip above, via Fox News.

[image via screengrab]

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Follow Justin Baragona on Twitter: @justinbaragona

This is an opinion piece. The views expressed in this article are those of just the author.

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