A House Judiciary Committee hearing erupted into a shouting match after Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) interrupted one of his Democratic colleagues as she was accusing Republicans of using law enforcement officers as “pawns.”
On Tuesday, Rep. Val Demings (D-Fla.) noted she served as a law enforcement officer for 27 years and said “good police officers” deserve lawmakers’ support.
“It’s interesting to see my colleagues on the other side of the aisle support the police when it is politically convenient to do so,” Demings said. “Law enforcement officers risk their lives every day. They deserve better and the America people…”
Jordan reportedly shouted something out during Demings’ comments, which was not heard on the video.
Demings fired back as she raised her voice, “I have the floor, Mr. Jordan! What did I strike a nerve? Law enforcement officers deserve better than to be utilized as pawns. And you and your colleagues should be ashamed of yourselves!”
The outburst led House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) to interject, “The gentle-lady will suspend, and the clock with be stopped.”
“I want to admonish members, they must not interrupt someone who has the time. You simply can’t shout out,” he added.
Jordan responded, “I agree.”
Demings then took a shot at Jordan, “Mr. Jordan, you don’t know what the heck you’re talking about! You know nothing about what law enforcement… And you’re using them as pawns because it serves your ridiculous political party!”
Watch the video below:
Let's just say things got pretty heated between Val Demings and Jim Jordan in today's House Judiciary meeting pic.twitter.com/SaE5gQBB7b
— Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) April 20, 2021
Nadler maintained “nobody” can shout out when another member is speaking.
However, Jordan asked, “When you give a speech, Mr. Chairman about motives and questioning motives and if our motives are questioned, how we address that?”
Demings shouted over Jordan, “This is emotionally charging for me because I was a law enforcement officer. I have watched them live and die, and you know nothing about that!
