After a pornographic video allegedly showing a staffer for Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) was leaked and published by the Daily Caller, that staffer is no longer employed by the Senate, per a statement by Cardin’s office.
That statement was cited in reports by both CNN and POLITICO.
According to POLTICO’s “Playbook” column, the leak is one of the things “every group chat in D.C. is talking about,” and the story was trending on Twitter Saturday night. Blurred footage published by the Daily Caller appears to show two men having intercourse in a Senate meeting room.
“A source identified the room to the Daily Caller as Senate room Hart 216- The Judiciary Room. The Caller blurred out his face because his identity has not been confirmed,” said the outlet. POLTICIO said this room has hosted Supreme Court nominees, the 9/11 Commission hearings and former FBI Director James Comey’s 2017 testimony on former President Donald Trump.
While CNN said it could not independently obtain the video or the identity of the staffer who allegedly participated in it, the outlet did say Cardin’s office referred to a statement posted on LinkedIn by Aidan Maese-Czeropski.
“This has been a difficult time for me, as I have been attacked for who I love to pursue a political agenda,” said the statement. “While some of my actions in the past have shown poor judgement, I love my job and would never disrespect my workplace.”
Maese-Czeropski also said he is exploring getting legal representation.
“CNN has reached out to Maese-Czeropski and has not received a response,” said the outlet. It also reached out to Capitol Police and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. The agency said it was aware of the situation.
The Advocate reported Saturday that U.S. Capitol Police confirmed an investigation into reports of two men having sex in public on Capitol grounds.