Dem lawmaker’s Illinois town hall disrupted by anti-Israel protesters calling him a ‘soulless piece of crap’
The disruptions prompted law enforcement intervention, ultimately cutting the event short.
A town hall event hosted by Illinois Democratic Representative Sean Casten in Downers Grove on Wednesday night ended early after multiple disruptions by anti-Israel protesters.
During the event, one protester shouted at Casten, “You are the most soulless piece of crap I have ever seen.” Several others interrupted the event, with many voicing opinions relating to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza.
“What you’re saying is I’m not going to get my way when my people are being slaughtered, and I want you to stop funding that,” the protester yelled before storming the stage where Casten was speaking.
Casten responded, “If you would like to run for office, run for office.”
Another individual approached the stage with a camera, shouting at Casten. “People did not come here to hear you,” Casten told the protester. “Show some respect for the people in this district.”
The disruptions prompted law enforcement intervention, ultimately cutting the event short. Casten also faced confrontation from a pro-Israel attendee during the event.
“A small group of individuals have attended multiple of Rep. Casten’s events with the sole intent of disrupting and shutting down the event, preventing constituents from being able to participate and engage in the democratic process,” a spokesperson for Casten told Fox News.
“Rep. Casten is proud to have successfully hosted a half dozen town halls and community meetings so far this year and will continue to find ways to productively engage with his constituents,” the spokesperson added.
The incident is part of a broader trend of disruptions held by lawmakers from both parties. On Tuesday, an event hosted by Maryland Democratic Representative Glenn Ivey was interrupted multiple times by attendees urging him to “show some of the backbone and strategic brilliance that Mitch McConnell would have in the minority.” In Nebraska, Republican Representative Mike Flood faced hecklers at his event when he mentioned the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).