'Hard to feel safe': Rep. Porter says town hall altercation erodes sense of security
WASHINGTON — Democratic Rep. Katie Porter said "everyone lost" after a group of political critics disrupted her town hall in California on Sunday, resulting in the arrest of a 51-year-old man.
"They began to shout and eventually violence broke out," Porter said Monday night on MSNBC. "It was really disappointing and scary, especially for families and seniors and others who were there, and I think we need to hear from every elected official regardless of party that this is not democracy."
Members of Congress are approaching an extended recess in August, a time traditionally used by lawmakers to meet with constituents and hold town halls. After the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, lawmakers have expressed increased concern about safety in their districts.
"It's incredibly disappointing to have it happen here," Porter said on Monday. "After Jan. 6, it's hard to feel safe in Washington right now and now it's hard to feel safe in Irvine."
The House appropriated funds to bolster the Capitol Police, who are tasked with coordinating security for lawmakers while they are outside of Washington, but the bill has stalled in the Senate.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/hard-to-feel-safe-rep-porter-says-town-hall-altercation-erodes-sense-of-security/ar-AAM6fRR