ND Rep Nico Rios Racist & Homophobic During DUI Traffic Stop
FYI, The video contained in this article about Representative Rios is NSFW with comments made.
Earlier in December, North Dakota State Representative Nico Rios (Williston) was stopped by police on December 15th for "failing to maintain his lane". The officer in the report wrote "was verbally abusive, homophobic, racially abusive and discriminatory" toward the officer "for the entire duration of the incident following roadside testing".
This State Representative Needs A Lesson
Somehow, this representative of North Dakota did not realize that police now have Body Cams for their own protection... and decided to go on and on at this public servant, even at one point during the stop saying to the officers that they would "regret picking on me because you don't know who I am".
A shame, considering everyone now DOES know who you are, Mr. Rios. And even in North Dakota, you won't be shielded from the comments your drunken brain made.
Here's the entire Traffic Stop video, from the Bismarck Tribune YouTube Channel, and you can hear for yourself the traffic stop events.
The Response from Rios
According to TheHill, Rios has apologized for making his homophobic and xenophobic comments toward the officer during the stop, saying his words were "absolutely unacceptable" and:
I owe it to myself, my district, and everyone and I vow to make sure this never happens again. 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.
My Take
As a Montanan and North Dakotan growing up, having family from both states, I can say that this is NOT supporting the police as a wide majority of North Dakotans do. And listening to the body cam footage, I think ND should get this representative out of there. He is not a good look for Williston (which has had its own fair share of issues over the years since the Bakken Oil Field).
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Gallery Credit: Nick Northern