Stefanik booed by protesters at memorial event in New York district
Rep. Elise Stefanik Confronts Protesters at Event in Upstate New York
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Rep. Elise Stefanik R-N.Y., criticized “radical Far Left Democrat agitators” for disrupting an event in her home district in upstate New York on Monday.
Stefanik, who has been considering a run for governor of New York, was met with boos from protesters during an event in Plattsburgh honoring the late John Zurlo, a political leader in Clinton County.
“Today #NY21 witnessed shameful conduct by radical Far Left Democrat agitators who disgracefully attempted to drown out and silence a non-political event in Plattsburgh to honor the lifelong service of John Zurlo in Clinton County as the building was named in his honor,” Stefanik said on X on Monday morning.
Protesters shouted “Traitor!” as Stefanik tried to deliver her remarks, forcing her to step back initially. However, she later returned to the podium and continued speaking over the protesters’ objections.
Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., spoke during a House Education and the Workforce Committee hearing in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023. (Haiyun Jiang/Bloomberg)
Speaking to reporters after the event, Stefanik explained her decision to continue speaking despite the disruptions.
“I thought that the Radicals would calm down out of respect for the Zurlo family,” she said. “Obviously, they did not do that, but I was not going to let them drown out me by talking about how important it is to commemorate John Zurlo’s legacy.”
Stefanik emphasized the importance of ensuring that the Zurlo family heard her remarks, even in the face of protest. She also privately delivered her message to the family.
House members, including Stefanik, have been engaging with constituents and hosting events during the August congressional recess.
GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York spoke to an attendee at a Staten Island fundraising dinner, on June 2, 2025, in New York City. (Fox News – Paul Steinhauser)
While Republicans are touting the benefits of President Trump’s policies, Democrats have criticized cuts to Medicaid included in the legislation.
Despite claims that the bill only targets waste and abuse in Medicaid, the Congressional Budget Office projects that millions more Americans will be uninsured by 2034 as a result of the legislation.
The impact of Trump’s policies is expected to be a key issue in the upcoming midterm elections.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Republicans celebrated passing Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.” (Getty Images)
Protesters at the event expressed opposition to various aspects of Trump’s agenda, including immigration policies and the megabill. Some signs also accused Stefanik of bullying behavior.
Although Stefanik has not officially announced her candidacy for governor, she has been vocal in criticizing Governor Kathy Hochul and laying the groundwork for a potential campaign.
Fox News’ Tyler Olson contributed to this report.
