Climate protesters continue to show up on the campaign trail in Iowa, this time disrupting a town hall held by Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy on Friday night.
At least six protesters were seen trying to yell at the biotech entrepreneur at the West Des Moines event, some holding signs that read “Vivec: Climate Change Criminal.” had.
“The Earth is on fire!” protesters shouted. Some people shouted, “Vivek is a liar!”
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Climate change protesters were seen blocking Ramaswamy City Hall in West Des Moines, Iowa. (Screenshot/Adam Wren)
Another video shows Mr. Ramaswamy clashing with hostile protesters who claimed he was taking money from fossil fuels, which he denies.
One of them exclaimed, “You said you cared about our future and that girl’s future, but how much money would it cost you to actually care about us?”
“If you want to take a seat and have a respectful discussion, you can do that,” Ramaswamy said.
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The disruptors were eventually forced to leave the event after Ramaswamy repeatedly urged them to have a “respectful debate”.
Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for Ramaswamy, told Fox News Digital: “It’s a good way to find out if you really care about the principles of free speech. You can find out which side is using tactics you don’t like. Repeat and see if you feel the same way.” She said, “Vivek is a free speech absolutist.”
Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is hoping for a better-than-expected result in Monday’s Iowa caucuses. (Christian Monterrosa/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
This is not the first campaign event where climate protesters have clashed this week. On Thursday, climate protesters similarly disrupted an event for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. One demonstrator was even tackled by a security guard.
DeSantis quipped about the protester who was tackled: “What’s wrong with the university system there? That’s Exhibit A.”
Protesters also appeared briefly at a Fox News town hall on Tuesday that featured DeSantis.
Republican presidential candidate Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks at a campaign event at Jethros Barbecue on January 11, 2024 in Ames, Iowa. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
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Republican candidates have limited time before Monday’s Iowa caucuses, and snow and ice conditions could affect turnout.
Former President Trump holds a commanding lead among Iowa Republicans with 53%, according to RealClearPolitics polling average. A close second to Trump is the former U.N. ambassador with about 18% support, followed by DeSantis with 15.5% and Ramaswamy with 6.5%.
