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Maryland Democrat Sen. Ben Cardin’s office has severed ties with a staffer following allegations fueled by an . The video appears to have been recorded in a Senate hearing room.

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Explicit Video

The Daily Caller, a conservative news outlet, claimed to have obtained a video showcasing a congressional staffer engaged in a sexual act with an unidentified man in what was reported as the Senate hearing room, specifically room Hart 216 in the Hart Senate Office Building. 

According to the outlet, the explicit video was shared within a private group for gay men in politics, sparking widespread controversy and discussions online.

The footage, purportedly shot within the Senate Judiciary Committee's hearing room, depicts two men engaging in a sexual act. One of the individuals is seen nude and positioned over the official dais where senators typically conduct hearings and question witnesses.

. The video, recorded from the perspective of the other participant, includes a brief pan of the Senate seal on the wall, adding a layer of authenticity to the controversial footage.

However, the authenticity of the video and the identities of the participants remain unconfirmed.

The scandal has prompted the U.S. Capitol Police to launch an investigation into reports of two men engaging in sexual activity on Capitol grounds.

Controversy in Sen Cardin’s office

In response to the allegations, Sen. Ben Cardin’s office released a statement confirming the departure of the implicated staffer, Aidan Maese-Czeropski, stating, “Aidan Maese-Czeropski is no longer employed by the U.S. Senate. We will have no further comment on this personnel matter.”

Maese-Czeropski, in a post on LinkedIn, admitted to "poor judgment" in the past but vehemently denied disrespecting his workplace. He asserted that the accusations were attempts to exploit his personal life for political motives and announced his intention to explore legal options.

The scandal further deepened as Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, identified Maese-Czeropski as the staffer who allegedly shouted, “Free Palestine!” at him in the halls of Congress. In response, Maese-Czeropski refuted the accusation in his LinkedIn post, claiming he had never encountered the congressman.

The scandal, which unfolded on Friday and Saturday raises questions about the privacy and conduct of congressional staff within the hallowed halls of Capitol Hill. And a reminder that personal actions can sometimes damage professional reputations.