Congresswoman Elise Stefanik Booed at Plattsburgh Memorial Ceremony

Plattsburgh, NY – During a ceremony on Monday, Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) was met with loud boos and jeers from constituents. The event was to rename the Clinton County Government Center in honor of the late Clerk John Zurlo. The event on August 19 gathered family members, local officials, and community leaders. However, protesters, who organizers claim were over half the crowd, drowned out Stefanik’s speech. They chanted, “You sold us out!” and “Unseal the Epstein files.”

Disrupted Remarks and Growing Tensions

Stefanik walked to the podium, but the crowd reacted with hostility. She had to step back. She tried to continue her speech, but the heckling got louder. So, she left the stage. Finally, she came back to finish her address, even with the jeers still going. NBC affiliate WPTZ reported that demonstrators held signs. They demanded that Stefanik hold town halls in the district. They also raised concerns about recent federal spending cuts that affect rural hospitals.

Constituents’ Grievances

Protesters pointed out that the congresswoman hasn’t been in the district. They accused her of avoiding her constituents for “months and months.” They also claimed she won’t answer questions in her Plattsburgh office. Demonstrator Mavis Agnew said, “She won’t hold a town hall, she won’t take questions. It was our first opportunity to let her know we’re unhappy”.

Stefanik’s Response

After the event, Stefanik criticized the protestors in social media posts and to reporters. She labeled their actions a “disgusting disgrace” by “the far left.” This disrupted the ceremony that aimed to honor Zurlo’s legacy.

Implications for the Fall Recess

The incident highlights the frustration in Stefanik’s upstate New York district. Rural communities face cuts to healthcare funding and are seeking more access to their representative. The confrontation may change how Republican lawmakers show up for in-district events during the next congressional break.