A state representative-elect, carrying a Bible and was just sworn into office, kicked a photographer who took a picture of him during a prayer in the statehouse.

Douglas Bruce visited the House floor as a guest of a fellow Colorado Springs Republican Rep. Kent Lambert on Monday morning.

When Javier Manzano, a Rocky Mountain News photographer took a quick shot during the traditional morning prayer, Bruce, got his shoes out and brought the sole down hard on bent knee of the photographer.

"Don't do that again," Bruce told him.

Bruce refused to apologize to the photographer.

"I think that's the most offensive thing I've seen a photographer do in 21 years. If people are going to cause a disruption during a public prayer, they should be called for it. He owes an apology to the House and the public," Bruce said.