Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), one of the relatively few members of Congress who has held public town hall meetings in 2017, was beset by protesters in the city of Roseville, Calif. More than 1,000 people gathered in front of a venue that could seat 200, and many of those who got inside protested McClintock, a conservative who represents one of the state’s few safe Republican seats, for favoring the president’s executive orders on refugees and the repeal of the Affordable Care Act.
According to social media reports from attendees, the event was raucous; according to video clips taken in its aftermath, McClintock left under police protection as critics, many organized by the local branch of the Indivisible activist organization, followed closely.
“If anyone is wondering what a town hall meeting in a conservative district looks like, welcome to Roseville,” wrote protester Troy Kuersten on Facebook.
.@RepMcClintock escorted out of theater by police. @KQEDnews pic.twitter.com/3qMSoPoSVq
— Katie Orr (@1KatieOrr) February 4, 2017
It wasn’t the day’s only protest of a congressional office or event. Showing Up for Racial Justice, a group that had protested President Trump during his visit to Janesville, Wis., staged an event outside one of Paul D. Ryan’s offices, though the Republican speaker of the House was absent. There were also protests of Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), who announced late last week that she would vote to confirm Betsy DeVos, Trump’s polarizing nominee to run the Department of Education.
Hey @SenatorFischer your constituents have something to tell you pic.twitter.com/UelGsjcvNG
— Indivisible Lincoln (@indivisibleLNK) February 4, 2017
Democrats and progressive groups are planning more actions during the next congressional recess, which begins the week of Presidents’ Day.