Mike Lawler town hall chaos: Rep. Lawler faces intense backlash during raucous town hall in New York’s Hudson Valley.
The gathering, held in Somers, was quickly overtaken by confrontations. Attendees grilled Lawler about former President Donald Trump’s aggressive agenda, with the evening descending into loud boos, chants, and several forced removals by law enforcement.
“This Is What Democracy Looks Like”—Or Is It?
Lawler opened the meeting with the phrase, “This is what democracy looks like.” The crowd responded with laughter. That tone foreshadowed the confrontational mood that followed.
When Lawler referenced federal health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the crowd erupted in jeers. One of his responses—“So you want, for instance, petroleum-based dyes to continue?”—only stoked further outrage.
Multiple Disruptions and Forced Removals
Lawler’s team had enforced strict rules: RSVPs were required, only constituents were allowed in, and no recordings or shouting were permitted. Yet tensions overflowed.
One woman was forcibly removed after clashing over the issue of tariffs. The crowd chanted, “Let her stay!” before security carried her out.
A chorus of “Shame! Shame!” followed. More attendees were removed soon after.
Frustration Among Voters
Jeanette Spoor, 74, hoped to ask about Social Security and Medicaid but was not called on. “You’re not helping your constituents if you’re making it hard for them to get help,” she said.
Kristi Thompson, 52, called Lawler’s answers “long-winded” and said they lacked substance. “He claims to be available to constituents but he isn’t.”
Walkout as Israel Protest Question Ends the Night
The final question—about protests against Israel—triggered a mass walkout. Lawler attempted to answer but cut himself short as most of the audience exited.
“I appreciate everybody coming out… whether you liked [the answers] or not,” he said to a nearly empty room.
Source: AP News
