Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) lashed out at reporters after his debate, threatening to refer them to a prosecutor for recording him and demanding that someone “get an officer in here.”
The confrontation took place Tuesday night in Cambridge, Maryland, just after Harris debated Democratic challenger Dan Schwartz, according to a video The Baltimore Banner posted Wednesday.
At the debate, constituents had laughed at Harris's explanation of rising fuel prices.
“Why has it gone up? Because the Democrats and environmental regulations have not—” Harris said.
“You all say you believe there’s a First Amendment, but only if you agree with you!” Harris snapped after the crowd’s laughter cut him off. “You should let me finish the sentence, ma’am. You are rude!”
The video following the debate shows Harris, who chairs the House Freedom Caucus, objecting to being recorded at a press conference.
“You do not have my permission to record!” Harris warned a reporter. “If you record, we will refer you to the prosecutor!”
“Everyone in here is recording,” the reporter replied.
“But you are not allowed to,” Harris shot back. “We are in a two-party state. You are not allowed to.”
“Why am I not allowed to?” the reporter asked. “Because I refuse to give you permission to do it,” Harris answered.
“With due respect, this is a public forum,” a second reporter said.
“Do you know the law?” Harris asked.
“I’m not a lawyer. Are you a lawyer? You’re a doctor,” the second reporter answered.
“Actually, I’m a legislator,” Harris replied. “I actually know the law well because we have to process —”
Maryland’s wiretap law requires everyone’s consent to record a conversation, but a judge threw out charges in 2010 against a motorcyclist who recorded a traffic stop held “in full view of the public,” according to a 2011 legislative analysis.
The Banner said Harris was wrong to tell the reporter they were breaking the law.
“You said that you wanted the war in Iran. You said that it could have gone smoother and it could have gone better. What did you mean by that?” a third reporter asked.
“You’re going to have to take her camera!” Harris shouted. “You’re gonna take her camera. She is violating the law! In fact, get an officer in here!”
“Isn’t that just for telephone communications?” the second reporter asked.
“Audio and video have to have two-party approval in Maryland,” Harris insisted. “Now, they may not have to have it in Washington, D.C. They have to have it in Maryland.”
“We are in public,” the first reporter said.
“Makes no difference whatsoever,” Harris replied.
“Congressman, you said that you supported the First Amendment. What does this say about that?” a fourth reporter asked, in a question that echoed his own debate words.
“She’s ruining all your chances to get an answer about anything,” Harris told the other reporters as he walked away. “Thank her. Thank her profusely.”