Mary Morrissey slammed despite apology as video shows her pouring water in Jim Carroll's bag for 5 months

VERMONT: A Vermont Republican state lawmaker has issued an apology for repeatedly pouring water into a Democratic colleague's bag, an act that was captured on video.

State Representative Mary Morrissey extended her public apology to Representative Jim Carroll, fellow legislators, and the people of Vermont during a House session on Monday, June 17.

Mary Morrissey feels 'truly ashamed' of her actions

Both representatives hail from Bennington, a community of approximately 15,000 residents located in the state's southwestern region.

"I am truly ashamed of my actions," Morrissey said, adding she offered a direct apology to Carroll and would be seeking resolution and restoration through the legislative process, CBS News reports.

In his response, Carroll addressed the chamber, acknowledging the sincerity in Morrissey's voice but expressing the need for candor. He stated, "For five months, I went through this, emphasizing that Morrissey had a choice with each occurrence."

"It was torment," he said.

Carroll informed that his tote bag, which he hangs in a Statehouse hallway, was drenched several times a week during January and February.

He noted that after being charged with driving under the influence in February and his subsequent return from rehabilitation, the bag began to be soaked nearly every day.

Carroll claimed, "It was relentless," and he was pretty sure it was Morrissey, who he claimed had mistreated him frequently.

Mary Morrissey was caught pouring water into Dem colleague's bag

On April 23 and April 26, he placed a video camera behind a scarf on the wall across from Morrissey and recorded him pouring water from a glass into the bag.

Carroll showed the video to House Speaker Jill Krowinski last week after sharing it with CBS affiliate WCAX-TV. Morrissey was then confronted with it.

The Democrat Krowinski issued a statement saying, "This is a truly disturbing situation that is at odds with our legislative practices."

She stated that "the integrity and decorum of our legislative proceedings and of legislators are of paramount importance, and any actions or behaviors that compromise these values will be thoroughly investigated and addressed."

Morissey is subject of an ethics probe

Carroll promised to check on his bag hanging outside before leaving his room in the Economic Development Committee, as he told WCAX-TV. "There were occasions where it wasn't wet at lunchtime and then at the end of the day it was wet," he stated.

Morrissey, who is the subject of an ethics probe, was also kicked off a major committee, according to the station.

"Quite honestly, I don't know why I did it. I was not meaning to hurt Jim, it was something very out of character for me and I'm ashamed of myself," she said last week, according to WCAX-TV.

Carroll said to his fellow lawmakers on Monday that it will be uncomfortable when he and Morrissey have their first conversation, "but we have to start somewhere."

Internet believes Mary Morrissey's action was 'unacceptable'

Responding to the development, a user said, "An apology is not enough."

Another urged, "She has to resign in disgrace. This is unforgivable and unbelievable and unacceptable and an apology will not suffice."

A third commented, "Weird & disturbing, she has no business making laws for the rest of us."

"Why does this republican freak still have a job? Months she did it for!" one wrote.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.