Attendees vocalize displeasure with Rep Moran during town hall

TYLER – U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran held a town hall forum on Tuesday night in Tyler where several attendees quickly became hostile according to our news partner KETK. The forum was initiated for Moran to speak on issues he is covering in D.C. However, hecklers quickly began interrupting the presentation and question and answer portion of the event.

“I expected to have a setting like we saw tonight,” Moran said. “I know folks want to engage personally and a lot of people want to set this up and a lot of members of Congress are not doing in person townhalls but I think it’s our responsibility to the constituents to do those face-to-face town halls to engage, to be transparent, to be accountable. I expected some emotions tonight and that’s what we saw.”

Attendees became upset as Moran did not answer their questions when they pressed him on issues, including abortion, due process and immigration policies.

Ryan Nichols, who considered running against Moran in the upcoming May elections, was seen shouting at Moran over his due process policies.

Following the town hall on Tuesday, Smith County Republican Party Chairman David Stein issued the following statement denouncing disruptive members of the audience:

“I attended the Grassroots America meeting this evening expecting to hear Congressman Moran discuss his actions as our Representative in Washington, DC. However, and candidly, I was not prepared for what I witnessed from those in attendance and the total disrespect for another human being. Whether you agree or disagree with another individual’s views, the constant shouting, repeating the same comments over and over with no observable purpose other than to disrupt was consistent with things I’ve seen in areas of the country, but nothing like this in Smith County. I noticed someone wearing a shirt that said “Smith County Democrats” but did not personally recognize anyone in that group. I’m proud of the way Congressman responded to the constant heckling as well as that of Grassroots America We the People Executive Director JoAnn Fleming. By now, many have seen the video either from the live stream or recording. I 100% denounce this type of behavior from any political group, Republican, Democrat, independent or any other group, or any other individual with whatever label you choose. It’s not how we do things here in Smith County. Texas 1st Congressional District which is overwhelmingly Republican has elected Nathaniel Moran in 2022 and 2024. I would expect to see him re-elected to serve again. I stand with my congressman and appreciate his service to our community, our state and our nation.”
Smith County Republican Party Chairman David Stein