TPM Editor’s Blog

Congressman Says, Get Off My Lawn!!!

For it doesn’t get better than a Congressman accosting a noisy protestor and threatening to cane him. But that’s just me. Liberal groups down in Florida were protesting 82 year old Rep. Bill Young (R-FL) when one protestor got into Young’s face and it pretty much went down hill from there.

From the Tampa Bay’s Creative Loafing

As the office closed, Young arrived, flanked by St. Pete College police officers as well as staff members, including Glenn. One particularly persistent activist loudly asked Young about his stances, getting into close proximity of the 81-year-old congressman. It did not end well. Young grabbed the activist by the arm and raised his cane, largely looking like he was attempting to strike the protester until both were separated by the police officers present.

Repeating that the activists were trespassing on federal property multiple times, Young did engage one constituent, saying that he “was the middle class” but largely didn’t address the questions on cuts. The congressman was escorted into the building as the protesters discussed taking legal action against Young.

The police were rather nonplussed by the situation, pointing out that the young man did aggressively confront the congressman. However, due to the confusion during the actual incident, it’s unknown currently whether or not the young man will pursue legal action. Soon after, the group dispersed in order to avoid being arrested for trespassing.

Meanwhile, Young himself is now saying he’s considering legal action against the protestor whose name is Kelly Benjamin.

Josh Marshall

Josh Marshall is editor and publisher of TalkingPointsMemo.com.

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