Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) reportedly gifted personalized handguns to two young female staffers while they worked in his office in 2024, according to two sources. This incident is part of a broader investigation by the House Ethics Committee into allegations of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment.
Edwards presented one staffer with a blue handgun engraved with her name and the other with a pink handgun, both gifts occurring in North Carolina. A lawyer for one former staffer stated that she accepted the gift out of fear of reprisal but later disposed of it. Although there are no explicit rules against members giving gifts to staffers, the nature of these gifts has raised concerns.
Edwards, who was a licensed firearms dealer until November 2024, emphasized in a statement that he believes in teaching firearm safety and self-defense. However, sources indicated that they had not witnessed him giving firearms to other staffers or teaching them how to use guns.
The investigation into Edwards includes claims that he provided inappropriate personal attention to the two female staffers, which included handwritten notes, personal gifts, and outings. He has denied any wrongdoing.
Additionally, Edwards organized a surprise musical performance for one staffer's birthday, which she found embarrassing, and he has faced scrutiny for his behavior during a government shutdown, where he vacationed with one of the staffers in Las Vegas, sending flowers to her hotel room that made her uncomfortable.
The ongoing Ethics investigation may impact Edwards' reelection prospects, especially as Democrats target his district. His Democratic challenger, Jamie Ager, has significantly outpaced him in fundraising efforts. Recently, Edwards and his wife sold their McDonald's franchises to focus more on public service, and he has also distanced himself from President Trump in his campaign materials.