New Colorado lawmaker invokes 9/11 to blast Ferguson and Eric Garner protests

A newly-elected Colorado congressman criticized fellow lawmakers, as well as the thousands of protesters calling for greater accountability for police, in a guest column for the Colorado Springs Gazette on Monday.

"When was the last time you heard someone call 911 to report an intruder in their home and ask for a congressman to come help them?" Rep-elect Ken Buck (R-CO) wrote. "Heck, Congress doesn't have the courage to tackle tough issues, much less a fleeing felon."

Buck, who was elected to fill the House seat vacated by Rep. Cory Gardner's (R-CO) election to the Senate, opened his column by asking, "Have we forgotten 9/11?" and mentioning that 23 New York City police officers died during the terrorist attack on the city that day, as well as 37 Port Authority officers.

"As district attorney, I see that courage every day from our law enforcement officers and know the price they pay," Buck stated.

Buck did not mention that protests against the grand jury decisions in the Eric Garner and Michael Brown cases have remained largely peaceful. He also failed to mention data showing that African-American men constitute a higher percentage of victims in fatal shootings involving police.

Instead, he accused the media of giving "activists, athletes and members of Congress" a wide platform through which to question police officers' motives.

"To foist generalizations and wild accusations of racial bias on them is hypocritical, disrespectful, and dangerous," Buck wrote. "Doing so won't make minority communities safer - it will simply harm the morale of our law enforcement officers and endanger them."

Buck did not mention officers like Richmond, California Police Chief Chris Magnus or retired Philadelphia captain Ray Lewis, who have both joined in demonstrations in their respective cities.

The Denver Post reported earlier this month that Buck, who served as district attorney for Weld County, was elected freshman class president by his fellow incoming Republicans.

[h/t Colorado Pols]