‘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.

lawler town hall
A woman is carried out of the town hall. (Photo by Jessica Hill/AP)

“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.

Behind The Story

Type: News

News: Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

Articles attributed to "staff" are written by the editor or a senior editor. This is typically because they are brief items based on a single source, such as a press release, or there are multiple contributors, such as a collection of photos.

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