Stephen Colbert’s Late Show Crew Arrested at U.S. Capitol: Unlawful Entry Charges and the Triumph Incident
A significant incident unfolded at the U.S. Capitol on the evening of June 16, drawing national attention to the heightened security surrounding one of America’s most pivotal political institutions. A film crew associated with The Late Show With Stephen Colbert was detained and subsequently arrested by Capitol Police. The group of nine individuals, reportedly found filming without proper authorization within an office building connected to the House of Representatives, faced charges of unlawful entry, sparking a debate about press access, security protocols, and the boundaries of political satire.
The incident occurred late on Thursday, June 16, around 8:30 p.m., within the Longworth House Office Building. This building is one of three critical structures designed to house offices for members of the United States House of Representatives, forming an integral part of the Capitol complex. The crew, working for the popular CBS late-night program, had reportedly spent the day filming various comedy segments, which prominently featured the beloved and irreverent character, Triumph The Insult Comic Dog. This vulgar puppet, known for his acerbic wit and celebrity roasts, has been a staple of late-night television for over two decades, making appearances on CBS for 25 years.
Among the nine individuals detained was the creative force behind Triumph, comedian Robert Smigel, 62. Smigel, a veteran writer and performer, is widely credited with developing Triumph’s unique brand of humor. The arrests were confirmed by Capitol Police, who stated that the building was officially closed to visitors at the time of the crew’s apprehension. Furthermore, police noted that the individuals were part of a group that had already been directed to leave the building earlier in the day by the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP). This preceding directive adds a layer of complexity to the incident, suggesting a potential disregard for official instructions.
“The building was closed to visitors, and these individuals were determined to be a part of a group that had been directed by the USCP to leave the building earlier in the day,” the Capitol Police explained in a statement provided to Variety. The statement further detailed the charges: “They were charged with Unlawful Entry. This is an active criminal investigation, and may result in additional criminal charges after consultation with the U.S. Attorney.” This declaration indicates the seriousness with which the authorities viewed the unauthorized presence, particularly in a location of such political significance and during a period of heightened security.
Further details regarding the arrests were brought to light by Fox News’ seasoned Congress reporter, Chad Pergram, 52. According to Pergram’s reporting, the group was taken into custody by Capitol Police after being discovered without proper identification or an official escort. Their location at the time of arrest was notably sensitive: outside the offices of prominent Republican figures, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Rep. Lauren Boebert. The political context of these specific offices, given the current climate, likely added to the perceived severity of the unauthorized presence.
Pergram also provided the names of other crew members detained alongside Robert Smigel. These included Jake Plunkett, Allison Martinez, Tyrone Dean, Stephen Romond, Nicoletta Green, Brendan Hurley, Josh Comers, and David Feldman. This comprehensive list underscores the fact that this was not an isolated individual but a significant portion of a production team. Adding to the narrative, Pergram also indicated that the same group had been “shooed” away by Capitol Police earlier that day from the Cannon House Office Building, another integral part of the Capitol complex. This suggests a pattern of behavior or a misunderstanding of access rules that persisted throughout the day. While initially detained, it is widely believed that all individuals involved have since been released.
5) They were unescorted and arrested and charged with illegal entry. They were arrested near Boebert’s office. They were released overnight.
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) June 17, 2022
In response to the growing media scrutiny, CBS, the network behind The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, issued a statement confirming the incident but vehemently defending its production crew. The network asserted that their field production team was on the premises legally and with proper authorization for their activities earlier in the day. “On Wednesday, June 15 and Thursday, June 16, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog was on-site at the Capitol with a production team to record interviews for a comedy segment on behalf of The Late Show,” CBS stated to Variety. The network further elaborated, “Their interviews at the Capitol were authorized and pre-arranged through Congressional aides of the members interviewed. After leaving the members’ offices on their last interview of the day, the production team stayed to film stand-ups and other final comedy elements in the halls when they were detained by Capitol Police.” This statement highlights a key point of contention: CBS claims authorization for the interviews, but the arrests occurred *after* those interviews were completed, while the crew was allegedly filming additional “stand-ups and other final comedy elements” in the public halls.
The timing of these arrests adds significant context and underscores the seriousness of the situation. They occurred during a period of exceptionally heightened security within the U.S. Congress, largely driven by the ongoing public hearings concerning the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the Capitol. The memories of the violent breach were still very fresh, and security forces were particularly vigilant against any perceived security threats or unauthorized activity. Chad Pergram’s reporting corroborated this, noting that the CBS crew was attempting to secure interviews around the same time a Jan. 6 hearing was taking place earlier on June 16, potentially exacerbating the already tense atmosphere.
Stephen Colbert, 58, the host of The Late Show, has been quite vocal and satirical in his commentary on these public hearings. He has frequently used his platform to deliver sharp jokes and critiques aimed at those involved in the Jan. 6 events, as noted by the Daily Mail. For example, when Proud Boy leader Joseph Biggs requested to have his trial moved outside of Washington, D.C., Colbert quipped with his characteristic wit, “They want to move the trial to some place where The Proud Boys have a better reputation. Like 1930s Berlin.” This comedic approach to serious political events often pushes boundaries, and the incident at the Capitol could be seen as another manifestation of this provocative style intersecting with stringent security measures.
The “unlawful entry” charge, especially within a federal building like the Longworth House Office Building, carries significant weight. These buildings are not public spaces in the same vein as a park or a street; they are integral parts of the legislative branch of government, requiring strict adherence to security protocols. While the crew members were reportedly released overnight, the fact that an “active criminal investigation” is underway, potentially leading to “additional criminal charges after consultation with the U.S. Attorney,” highlights the gravity of the situation. This isn’t merely a slap on the wrist for a minor infraction; it could involve more substantial legal consequences depending on the findings of the investigation.
The incident also raises questions about the distinction between newsgathering and entertainment production, particularly in sensitive government areas. While legitimate journalists often have credentials allowing them access, comedy segments involving puppets might fall into a grey area, especially when conducted after hours or in unauthorized zones. The Capitol Police’s earlier directive for the group to leave suggests a prior understanding or warning that may not have been fully heeded by the production team. This ongoing investigation will likely scrutinize the exact nature of the authorization provided to CBS, the specific activities the crew was engaged in at the time of their arrest, and whether any explicit instructions to vacate the premises were indeed ignored.
Ultimately, the arrest of Stephen Colbert’s Late Show crew at the U.S. Capitol complex underscores the delicate balance between freedom of the press and the imperative for robust security, especially in politically charged environments. As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on this unusual convergence of late-night comedy, political satire, and federal law enforcement. HollywoodLife did not immediately receive a response after reaching out to Stephen’s representative and the Capitol Police for further comment on this developing story.