A Republican congressman shouted “come here, Weenie” at a protester during a confrontation last week.
Footage reviewed by Politico shows that the confrontation outside the Longworth House Office Building between a protester and Republican Representative Tim Burchett — which ended with Burchett shoving the man as Capitol Police stepped in — escalated after the congressman taunted him.
Newsweek has contacted Representative Burchett’s office and the Capitol Police for comment via email.
Why It Matters
The incident took place as multiple protesters accosted Burchett about his stance regarding the Israel-Hamas war. In June, Burchett introduced a resolution to the House which rejected the United Nations‘ decision to place the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on a list of children’s rights abusers. More than 50,000 children have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, according to UNICEF.
The confrontation underscores growing tensions between lawmakers and protesters at a time when political anger is spilling more frequently into public spaces.
What To Know
Burchett had previously described the incident as a heated verbal exchange that escalated only after the demonstrator “bumped” him. But video footage reviewed by Politico shows that before the two men came face to face, Burchett taunted the protester, saying “come over here.” At one point, the Tennessee Republican can be heard telling the man, “come over here, weenie,” which prompted the protester to step toward him and respond, “you just came to me dodo brain.”
The back-and-forth grew more heated as Burchett accused the man of being funded by George Soros, after which the protester appeared to turn away. Burchett pursued him and mocked that he looked like he was “quivering.” The protester wheeled back around, asking, “I’m quivering?” and in the sudden movement, his torso made contact with Burchett, who then shoved him with both hands.
Witnesses told Politico the protester immediately shouted, “I didn’t touch him. I didn’t touch him,” as the crowd reacted. Republican Representative Rich McCormick was nearby and defended his colleague afterward. “With political violence on the rise, no representative should have to tolerate someone aggressively closing in on them. Frankly, I thought Rep. Burchett showed a lot of restraint,” McCormick said in a statement.
Burchett’s office maintained the congressman acted in self-defense. “The guy got in the congressman’s face. They bumped stomachs and the congressman removed him from his face,” spokesperson Will Garrett told Politico on Monday. “People have a protected First Amendment right to protest and say whatever filthy and nasty stuff they want to the congressman, but they don’t have the right to physically bump into the congressman and the congressman acted in self-defense.” Garrett added that Capitol Police “asked us if we wanted to press charges, but we said no.”
Burchett later downplayed the clash, remarking that the man “had bad breath.” Capitol Police questioned the protester at the scene before releasing him. The department has not commented publicly on the incident.
The exchange comes as Burchett, a frequent critic of House GOP leadership, remains a prominent figure in the Capitol. He previously made headlines for a tense hallway encounter with former Speaker Kevin McCarthy after voting to oust him from the top job.
What Happens Next
The Capitol Police have not said whether they will release additional details about the incident or take further action.
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