Protesters clash with GOP lawmaker at private luncheon

A protest turned chaotic during a private luncheon in New York on Thursday. The event, organized by the Rockland Business Association, featured Republican Rep. Mike Lawler as a speaker. Protesters disrupted the gathering to voice their opposition to the Trump administration's cost-cutting efforts. The protesters, who had bought tickets to the event, shouted slogans like "Lawless Lawler" and held a sign that accused Lawler of being "Elon's Puppet." As tensions rose, the situation escalated into a physical altercation between the protesters and attendees trying to restore order. Rep. Lawler's team expressed concern, highlighting recent comments by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Schumer stated that Democrats are focused on mobilizing in Republican districts to challenge those who support spending cuts. Lawler’s communications director criticized Schumer for encouraging "far-left activists" to harass Republican lawmakers. The protest at Lawler's event is part of a broader trend of disruptions at congressional gatherings this week. A town hall held by another Republican, Rep. Mike Flood, also faced disruptions from protesters. Lawler questioned Schumer's methods and the implications of his comments regarding coordinated protests. Fox News reached out to Schumer for a response but had not heard back at the time of reporting.