DENVER — House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’s (D-NY) appearance at a Democratic conference was disrupted by protests demanding he consider progressive priorities as he prepares to become the next speaker of the House.
While Jeffries was onstage alongside moderator Jessica Tarlov for a panel discussion, protesters began shouting, “When is it time for a Green New Deal? When is it time for Medicare for All?”
“Hakeem Jeffries … I’m a young person, and I am scared for my future,” they yelled before being quickly drowned out by chants of “Hakeem” by attendees.
“We’re going to talk about young voters, just two seconds,” Tarlov said.
The small group of protesters was escorted out by security soon after.
One protester, who identified herself as Nicole Shea Niebler, a member of the Sunrise Movement, told the Washington Examiner, “They’re not listening to people. We are young people who want Medicare for All, a Green New Deal, progressives, and they’re not listening to us. He told us that he’s going to meet the moment. We’re telling him what the moment is. Young people delivered this blue wave. We should get what we want and get what we voted for.”
Minutes later, the panel was interrupted a second time, this time by another protester demanding impeachments and hurling obscenities at Jeffries.
“You are a f***ing liar,” one man screamed at Jeffries.
“So, how about permitting reform?” Tarlov quipped as the protester was escorted out.
“Remember, Jessica, I’m from Brooklyn,” Jeffries said. “This is light work.”
This story is breaking and will be updated.