RAUCOUS

GOP Rep. Joe Barton Tells Town Hall Attendee: ‘Shut Up’

Later gave the man a chance to speak.

New video shows Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) telling a loud town-hall attendee to “shut up” amid a heated discussion. After explaining that he voted against a bill regarding violence against women—saying it’s a state issue, not a federal one—Barton attempted to quiet a booing audience. One attendee can be heard shouting, “It’s violence against women, that’s a national issue. That is an issue that impacts everyone everywhere, not only in this country but everywhere.” As Barton continued to struggle with quieting the crowd, he pointed to one man and shouted, “You, sir, shut up.” After the event, according to the Dallas News, Barton defended losing his cool by saying the man was being especially disruptive; and he noted that the man got an opportunity to ask a question towards the end of the event. “I appreciate the interest and participation at every town hall meetings I host,” the lawmaker said in a statement.