A planned press conference by House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer descended into unexpected turmoil Wednesday morning. The setting: a briefing intended to address Hillary Clinton’s absence from a scheduled deposition related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
The disruption began almost immediately after Comer started speaking. A man, identifying himself as a “citizen reporter,” launched a series of pointed interruptions, directly challenging the Kentucky Republican about his intentions regarding potential contempt of Congress proceedings against the Clintons.
“No, I’m still talking. I’m still talking,” Comer retorted, visibly frustrated as the man repeatedly broke into his remarks. The protester’s questions centered on whether the Clintons’ sworn statements had been formally entered into the official record.
The situation escalated as Comer announced the committee’s plans to depose Ghislaine Maxwell, a key associate of Jeffrey Epstein. This prompted a particularly vocal outburst from the man, drawing a sharp response from Representative Tim Burchett, who quipped, “Hey, the Cartoon Network called, and they want you to take your job back.”
Comer, increasingly agitated, suggested the disruption was a deliberate tactic, stating, “We’ve got a paid disrupter here. So this is — I feel like the Clintons have initiated the war room.” The man vehemently denied being paid, countering that Comer himself was funded by the public.
The tension continued to build as the protester persisted, claiming he was simply attempting to engage in a conversation. Comer eventually called for security intervention, but the man continued to pursue his line of questioning.
As the event drew to a close, Comer expressed regret over the disruption, assuring the press that the committee would continue to answer questions. However, the confrontation didn’t end with the formal press conference.
The man followed Comer as he attempted to leave, getting close enough to make brief physical contact. Capitol Police officers swiftly intervened, physically separating the protester from the Republican lawmakers.
After a brief investigation, including photographing the man’s identification, authorities ultimately released him with a warning, allowing the incident to conclude without further escalation.
