The Department of Homeland Security is investigating after changes made to the Wikipedia pages of House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Rep. Renee Ellmers alleging an affair were tracked to an IP address at the department’s Springfield, Virginia, office.
“DHS has immediately launched an investigation into this serious matter. If it is discovered that a DHS employee, using Government property, is responsible for these alleged actions, immediate and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken,” DHS spokeswoman Marsha Catron said Friday, CBS News reported.
DHS discovered the changes in question on Thursday, the same day Mr. McCarthy abruptly and without warning withdrew his name from consideration to become the next House speaker.
Members said Mr. McCarthy would not have been able to secure 218 votes on the floor to take the gavel, CBS reported.
On Friday, Ms. Ellmers stood up in a private meeting of Republican lawmakers to thank them for their “prayers and support” after they received dozens of “nasty emails” from Steve Baer, a Chicago-based GOP donor who is perpetuating the rumor that she and Mr. McCarthy were romantically involved.
Sources close to Ms. Ellmers and Mr. McCarthy say the accusation is unfounded, Politico reported.
“As someone who has been targeted by completely false accusations and innuendo, I have been moved by the outpouring of support and prayers from my colleagues, constituents and friends,” Ms. Ellmers said in a statement. “Now I will be praying for those who find it acceptable to bear false witness.”
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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