‘She didn’t like my answer’
During an appearance on May 10 on HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, Rep. Mike Lawler, a Republican whose U.S. House district includes Philipstown, defended the decision to remove a constituent from a town hall he hosted in Somers.
“The woman in question was called upon to ask a question which was fine — I answered it,” he said. “She didn’t like my answer and kept screaming. She got into a verbal altercation with my staff and was asked to stop by security and then by members of the state police. When she refused, she was removed.
“We had people throwing things, punching and verbally attacking my staff,” Lawler said. “That kind of stuff is unacceptable. I am more than willing to take the heat. I have no problem with that. If people want to attend my meetings and have a constructive dialogue and discussion, I am all for it. If you want to protest, do it outside.”
Lawler said he will host town halls in Putnam and Dutchess counties in June.
