Protest at NY luncheon turns physical over spending cuts

A protest at a private luncheon in New York turned chaotic when demonstrators confronted Rep. Mike Lawler over spending cuts pushed by the Trump administration. The event, organized by the Rockland Business Association, was disrupted by ticket-holding protesters shouting, “Lawless Lawler” and waving signs targeting Lawler's actions. The situation escalated into a physical altercation as attendees tried to quell the disturbance. Lawler's team criticized Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for encouraging such protests in Republican areas, citing comments in which Schumer mentioned mobilizing Democrats to push back against Republicans. Schumer expressed confidence that sustained efforts could diminish former President Trump's influence. Ciro Riccardi, a spokesperson for Lawler, condemned Schumer's remarks, claiming they incite harassment and intimidation of Republican members. He mentioned that the protest included known activists and described some attendees as being assaulted during the event. Lawler shared Schumer's comments on social media, suggesting that the senator was collaborating with extreme leftist groups to organize protests. This incident was part of a wider trend, as another town hall held by a Republican congressman in Nebraska also faced disruption from activists. Schumer was not immediately available for comment.