Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH) canceled a town hall meeting about health care yesterday due to safety concerns about the venue, a local TV station reports.
Ryan’s office canceled the meeting, which was to take place at the Youngstown Community Health Center, just 20 minutes before it was scheduled to start.
“We just though it best to cancel it for safety concerns. This was not meant to be a place where we’re going to talk partisan politics,” said a staffer, Pat Lowry. “Don’t get me wrong, Congressman Ryan will debate anyone, anytime.”
Ryan had received threats, his office said, but they didn’t have anything to do with the cancellation. Those threats have been reported to the FBI and Capitol Police.
Before the town hall, about a dozen protesters stood outside with signs and American flags. A group of health care reform supporters was also on hand, waiting to thank the congressman for voting for the bill.
Ryan’s staff did not immediately respond to TPM’s request for more details. His office told the TV station that the town hall will be rescheduled at another venue.
(H/T The Hill)
