Republican Lawmaker Tussles With Protester Who ‘Bumped’ Him on Capitol Hill

(Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP Images)

Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) was caught in a run-in outside the Capitol on Thursday with a protester who challenged him over his stance on Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza.

The Republican reportedly shoved the man, who he later claimed had intentionally “bumped” into him after being approached near the Longworth House Office Building, according to Politico.

The incident occurred shortly after lawmakers wrapped up their final votes of the week.

Burchett’s spokesperson Will Garrett defended the congressman’s reaction in a comment to Politico, saying the protester had crossed a line: “Everyone has a right to their opinion, and they can say all of the filthy stuff they want. But they don’t have the right to bump the Congressman.”

Capitol Police briefly detained and questioned the protester, though the department has not commented publicly.

Burchett, meanwhile, dismissed the confrontation with characteristic bite, telling reporters the activist “had bad breath.”