Maxwell Frost, a Democratic Florida Representative, joined anti-gun protesters in disrupting a Thursday hearing jointly conducted by the House Judiciary and Oversight and Government Accountability committees.
Manny and Patricia Oliver interrupted the hearing shortly after 12 p.m. They were primarily concerned with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives new pistol brace rule. Capitol Police officers removed Patricia Oliver and her husband from the hearing. They were the parents of Joaquin Oliver who was one of 17 victims in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High school shooting in Parkland in 2018. Parkland shooting survivor David Hogg founded the March For Our Lives group, which Frost served in his capacity as National Organizing director.
The man shouted, “You’re full shit on both ends of the aisle,” as police officers removed him. “All of you.”
Capitol Police officers confronted the protester in the street outside the hearing room, as activists scolded them.
“What are they doing to this man?” One activist shouted at police officers, “He is a grieving dad!” He is a grieving father!” One activist shouted at the police officers.
He’s not violent!” Frost and other protesters chanted, “He’s not violent!” The congressman directed the protesters to go back into the hearing.
Republican Texas Rep. Pat Fallon, who is the Chairman of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy and Regulatory Affairs, blasted Frost and Democratic Rhode Island Rep. David Cicilline, for defending protesters.
“Proceedings are governed by House rules. During the hearing, there were some people who disrupted. They were removed by Capitol Police after we asked them to. One of them decided to return in while we were still givingled in. We had to call a halt at that point. Fallon stated that Capitol Police had been overwhelmed in the hallway and that we now are back in session.
“We need to have a lively exchange of ideas. This is what we have had in the committee and I imagine that we will continue to do so over the next hour. Members of this committee should not be applauded for being so disruptive, narcissistic and causing disruption. It was for this reason that I was surprised that one of the members did it so quickly.
The Daily Caller was informed by a Capitol Police officer that the Capitol hearing rooms are available to the public. Protesters were not required to attend the hearing.
Frost later praised the Olivers, saying that he “fight[s] side by side” with them and calling them “American heros.”
Frost stated, “I’m sorry you had to witness what happened outside Manny and Patricia.” Frost’s office did not immediately reply to Daily Caller’s inquiry about whether Frost invited Olivers to the hearing.
