Rep. Porter says mayoral altercation erodes sense of security

WASHINGTON – Democratic Representative Katie Porter said “everyone has 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 started screaming and finally the violence broke out,” Porter said Monday night on MSNBC. “It was really disappointing and scary, especially for the families, the elderly and others who were there, and I think we have to hear from every elected official, no matter what party, that this is not democracy. “

Members of Congress are approaching an extended recess in August, a period traditionally used by lawmakers to meet with voters and hold town halls. After the January 6 riot at the United States Capitol, lawmakers expressed growing concern about the safety of their neighborhoods.

“It’s incredibly disappointing that this is happening here,” Porter said on Monday. “After January 6, it’s hard to feel safe in Washington right now and now, it’s hard to feel safe in Irvine.”

The House has earmarked funds to beef up the Capitol Police, who are responsible for coordinating the safety of lawmakers when they are outside Washington, but the bill is stuck in the Senate.

Irvine Police said in a statement that officers were present at the event and arrested Julian Willis of La Jolla, California.

“There were opposing opinions at the town hall. He heated up and punches were thrown. A man had a bloody nose. The suspect was arrested, received a summons and released from the scene, ”Irvine police said.

Porter said the event took place in an outdoor space that allowed people to stay dispersed but also allowed protesters to disrupt the event.

“While I absolutely respect their right to disagree, their disruption disrespected all families who attended and were ready to engage in a thoughtful, civil and safe manner,” he said. she stated in the statement.

Nick Taurus, who is running against Porter in the 2022 midterm election, posted to his Instagram account several days ahead of town hall, urging his supporters to join his campaign to take on Porter. Taurus told his supporters to show up at the town hall event held at Mike Ward Community Park.

“Katie Porter is a far left ideologue backed by Bay Area academics, the billionaire class and foreign lobbies!” Its America Last policy is horrible for the 45th arrondissement and we intend to express our dissatisfaction! he wrote, telling his supporters to “demand that AMERICA BE FIRST and send Carpetbagger Katie back to the farm in Iowa where she came from! TOGETHER WE WILL DEFEAT THE WORLDISTS!”

The brawl erupted on Sunday when Taurus supporters shouted “Carpetbagger Katie!” And “Corrupt Katie Porter” and MP’s supporters tried to drown them by chanting “Katie!” Katie! Katie! ”Or shouting“ Shut up! ”Reported the LA Times. Punches were then thrown and men fell to the ground, according to the report.

Taurus describes himself on his campaign website as “an American and Roman Catholic nationalist most concerned with issues of immigration, vaccination, and critical race theory.”