Lauren Boebert Heckles Biden During Somber Moment On Son's Death

WASHINGTON, DC — Outspoken Colorado Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert raised eyebrows Tuesday night when she heckled President Joe Biden during a somber moment in his State of the Union address as he talked about the death of his son and other service personnel who died of cancer.

As Biden started to say, “A cancer that put them in a flag-draped coffin,” Boebert yelled, “You put them in. Thirteen of them!"

Boebert, conservative firebrand known for having a Glock on her hip and stilettos on her feet, was referring to the deaths of 13 service members who were killed during the U.S. withdrawal in Afghanistan. The outburst came as Biden was coming to the end of his address.

Biden appeared to look at her but continued with his speech. One of the service members killed by cancer, he said, "was my son, Major Beau Biden."

Beau Biden was among many veterans who may have suffered from toxic exposure injuries from military burn pits, used extensively in Iraq and Afghanistan. President Biden acknowledged he wasn't certain that fume exposure led to his son's disease. Even so, he pledged to investigate possible links.

Boebert's comment drew a chorus of boos from Democrats. After the speech, Boebert tweeted she couldn't "stay silent."

"Our heroic servicemen and women deserve so much better," she said.

Boebert represents Colorado's 3rd Congressional District, which includes a large swath of Colorado's right-leaning Western Slope. The district is largely conservative ranching and working-class communities such as Pueblo and Grand Junction, dotted with left-leaning, high-end ski towns such as Aspen and Steamboat Springs. Boebert owns a gun-themed restaurant in Rifle called Shooters Grill.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.