Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL) found himself the latest lawmaker caught up in a wave of fiery town halls as he was repeatedly shouted down on Wednesday – including by one man who leapt on stage to confront Casten directly, according to media reports.
The chaotic congressional event quickly went off the rails after pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian supporters confronted Casten, CNN reported. That led to other constituents in Downers Grove, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, to also jump in and interrupt the event until police cut the event short, the network said.
“Sir, sit down, show some respect for everybody who is here – show some respect for the people that are here,” Casten told one man who confronted him.
“Show some respect for the people in this district,” the Illinois lawmaker told a woman who approached the stage to yell at him.
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Casten appeared at the town hall on stage with a microphone and was flanked by at least two aides who stood in front of him. The night escalated when a third man, who appeared the most agitated, took his concerns about “my people being slaughtered” directly to Casten.
“If you would like to run for office, run for office,” Casten told him.
“That is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard!” the man responded. “You are the most soulless piece of crap I’ve ever seen.”
“That’s your opinion,” Casten replied. The man then hopped onto the stage until he was just inches away from the congressman.
“Sir, sir, get off the stage right now!” Casten yelled as aides surrounded the lawmaker and the man continued yelling, “You are soulless!”
Police soon arrived and reportedly made the call to end the event after Casten returned from a break to a still-rowdy crowd.
Similar occurrences have unfolded in congressional districts of both Republican and Democratic lawmakers in recent weeks as tensions over Israel and Palestine – as well as DOGE-led cuts – continue to stoke anger across the country.
