Architect of the Capitol says 'pig-cop' painting violates House rules, will be removed

According to Chad Pergram of Fox News, the offensive painting depicting a policeman as a pig will be taken down at the Capitol building after the Architect of the Capitol determined it breaks House rules.

Pergram announced it on his social media account:

The painting by a high school student had hung at the Capitol since June but recently came under fire when Republican members of Congress noticed the insulting depiction. According to Pergram, Rep. Reichert complained to the Architect of the Capitol, saying the painting "is in clear violation of the Sustainability Guidelines outlines in... rules for the competition."

The competition forbids works of art with "subjects of contemporary political controversy or a sensationalistic" nature, which has certainly been proven by the recent furor over the depiction.

"There are rules and rules exist for a reason," Rep. Reichert added, characterizing the painting as a "slap in the face" to men and women "who put their lives on the line everyday."

Rep. William Lacy Clay had defended the painting and demanded that a criminal charge of theft be pressed against Rep. Duncan Hunter for taking it down. Hunter had promptly handed it over to Clay's office. Earlier Friday a "thin blue line flag" was posted above the painting as a counter-protest: