Republicans storm ultra-secure “SCIF,” some with cell phones blazing [Update]

Enlarge / The US House of Representatives. (credit: Wally Gobetz / Flickr)

On Wednesday, Republican lawmakers committed a major breach of security guidelines when they carried cell phones as they tried to force their way into a secure room where a closed-door impeachment hearing with a Defense Department official was taking place.

At least one House member, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, got inside the Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) in the basement of the House of Representatives. Despite strict rules barring all electronics inside such closed-off areas, Gaetz openly tweeted: "BREAKING: I led over 30 of my colleagues into the SCIF where Adam Schiff is holding secret impeachment depositions. Still inside-more details to come."

BREAKING: I led over 30 of my colleagues into the SCIF where Adam Schiff is holding secret impeachment depositions. Still inside - more details to come. https://t.co/fHhqkZ6x3Z

- Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) October 23, 2019

After the tweet came under criticism, Gaetz later tweeted "sent by staff." It remained unclear how the representative was able to communicate with his members of his staff.

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