ALL NEWS

Rep. Curtis responds to ‘treason’ poster left on office door, citing “troubling time”

Jan 14, 2021, 3:26 PM | Updated: 4:30 pm

Curtis treason poster...

Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) holds a poster depicting two skull and crossbones symbols over his Congressional headshot, with the words "Wanted for Treason" written above. Curtis said the poster did not make him "fearful or angry," but he urged his constituents to show civility. (Photo: Screenshot from MSNBC broadcast)

(Photo: Screenshot from MSNBC broadcast)

After the violent protest in Washington, D.C., that left several members of Congress worried for their personal safety, Rep. John Curtis of Utah is calling on Americans to exercise “civility and respect.” 

During an interview with MSNBC Thursday, Curtis, a Republican, showed a poster that was left on his office door that accused him of treason. The flyer was left in response to the Utah representative voting against objections to the Electoral College vote. 

“Wanted for treason!” the poster reads. “For resisting the true electoral victor Trump and willful failure to stand to object to the corrupt and vitiated states!”

The poster depicted Curtis’ headshot with two skulls and crossbones symbols over his eyes. In the bottom corner, it quoted a paragraph from Federalist No. 28 which argues representatives have the duty to listen to their constituents. 

“If the representatives of the people betray their constituents, there is then no resource left but in the exertion of that original right of self-defense,” it reads. “Which is paramount to all positive forms of government, and which against the usurpations of the national rulers, may be exerted with infinitely better prospect of success than against those of the rulers of an individual state.” 

Rep. Curtis responds to ‘treason’ poster left on office door

Curtis found the flyer outside his office door minutes before his interview with MSNBC’s Katy Tur. It’s unknown who left it. 

“I know my colleagues are very, verv concerned,” Curtis said. “It’s just a very troubling time for all of us.”

Other members of Congress chimed in on social media over the weekend, citing concerns they had while sheltering in place inside the U.S. Capitol Wednesday. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) told followers in an Instagram Live video she feared for her life, unsure if she would survive. 

Curtis said he still has confidence in the country, but acknowledges it’s in a “tough spot.”

“This (the poster) doesn’t make me fearful or angry, it makes me sad for the divisiveness in our country,” he tweeted. “I invite my colleagues and constituents alike to show civility and respect—especially when disagreeing. That is the only way we can heal as a nation.”

Utah representative acknowledges ‘tough’ time but looks to future

This comes as states across the country prepare for planned protests in response to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, which is scheduled for Wednesday. The Defense Department reports increasing its National Guard presence at the inauguration ceremony to avoid a repeat of the attacks on the U.S. Capitol last week. 

Similar protests are planned in Utah, with state troopers planning extra security at the state Capitol building over the weekend. 

In response, Curtis urged MSNBC viewers to forge unity. 

“I personally am waking up and looking in the mirror and saying, ‘What do I need to do different? How do I play my role in changing what’s going on in our country?'” he told MSNBC. “I hope every single individual who watches your program and listens to me will ask themselves what they too can be doing.”

Part of this includes restoring faith in elections. However, in terms of the 2020 election, it’s time to move forward, Curtis said. 

“So, let me see if I can help,” he said. “To everyone listening, to my colleagues: We lost. Right? It’s time to move on. We need to worry about winning elections in the future.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

All News

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of t...

Simone Seikaly

Extending state flooding emergency, firearm restrictions, among topics for Utah special session

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of the legislature.

11 months ago

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

11 months ago

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Waverly Golden

Younger adults are becoming more susceptible to strokes

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible to stroke.

11 months ago

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now....

Allessandra Harris

Camping over Memorial Day Weekend? Plan ahead

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now.

11 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

11 months ago

Melissa Coleman crouches next to her husband, , Brad Coleman, of North Ogden, who sits in a wheelch...

Jenny Carpenter, KSL.com

Young stroke victim survives with quick, lifesaving treatment in northern Utah

After a 36-year-old man had a stroke, he and his wife say to be aware of the signs of stroke and that young people are also at risk.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Rep. Curtis responds to ‘treason’ poster left on office door, citing “troubling time”