North Dakota State Rep. Nico Rios is facing calls from within his own party to resign after police released video show him dropping racial and homophobic slurs against police officers who pulled him over on suspicion of drunk driving.
The Bismarck Tribune reports that North Dakota House Majority Leader Mike Lefor and North Dakota state GOP Chairwoman Sandi Sanford, among others, called for Rios' resignation after he profanely attacked the officers who pulled him over and threatened to call North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley to report their behavior.
In a statement condemning Rios' behavior, Majority Leader Lefor singled out his invocation of Wrigley as particularly reprehensible.
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"There is no room in the Legislature, or our party, for this behavior,” Lefor said. “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.”
Rios, who is facing charges of driving while under the influence and refusing a breath test, has apologized for his behavior but has not said he will step down.
“Inebriated or not my actions and words to law enforcement that night were absolutely unacceptable,” he said “Moving forward after this night I feel like I have to emphasize my complete and total commitment to supporting Law Enforcement. I messed up big time and I am truly sorry.”
