North Dakota State Lawmaker Arrested for DUI Makes Homophobic and Discriminatory Remarks Towards Police Officer

In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, North Dakota State Representative Nico Rios was arrested earlier this month on charges of driving under the influence (DUI), DUI refusal, and an open container violation. The arrest was made after Rios' vehicle was pulled over by police around 11:30 p.m. on December 15 for failing to stay in its lane, according to a report from the Williston Police Department.

During the investigation, officers conducted several field sobriety tests, including the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, Walk and Turn test, and One-Leg-Stand test. According to the police report, Rios exhibited signs of impairment, including slurred speech and difficulty constructing sentences. However, it was the lawmaker's behavior towards the arresting officer that raised serious concerns.

According to the police report, Rios became "verbally abusive, homophobic, racially abusive, and discriminatory" towards the officer throughout the testing process. Body camera footage released from the night of the incident revealed Rios making homophobic slurs towards the officer during the traffic stop and even questioning the officer's nationality, making derogatory comments about migrants.

"You're arresting me for driving home while people come into your country and rape your women? And I'm the bad guy?" Rios can be heard saying on the footage, among other offensive comments. The state representative even threatened to call the state Attorney General Drew Wrigley while sitting in the back of the police cruiser.

Rios, in a statement to CNN, expressed remorse for his actions, acknowledging that his behavior was unacceptable and vowing to make sure it never happens again. "Inebriated or not, my actions and words to law enforcement that night were absolutely unacceptable. Just two cops doing their jobs keeping the community safe when they ran into me on a night I decided to act like a dummy. They did nothing to deserve any sort of disrespect. I owe it to myself, my district, and everyone, and I vow to make sure this never happens again," he said.

The incident has raised concerns about Rios' fitness to serve as a lawmaker, particularly since he serves on a panel that handles law enforcement legislation. The body camera footage and Rios' offensive remarks have been widely condemned by both Republicans and Democrats. Republican House Majority Leader Mike Lefor stated that he had not seen the video but had heard enough about it, indicating that he is looking at the options available to address the situation.

North Dakota Republican Party Chairwoman Sandi Sanford expressed deep concern over Rios' dangerous decision to drive while intoxicated and his remarks towards law enforcement officers, stating that his behavior does not represent the values of the Republican Party.

Rios is scheduled for a court appearance on January 4, and the status of his case is not listed in the North Dakota Courts online database. The incident has sparked a strong reaction from the community, with many calling for Rios' resignation and for him to be held accountable for his actions. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible behavior, particularly among public officials who are expected to uphold the law and serve as role models for their constituents.