A group of veterans who support impeachment proceedings against President Trump was sharply criticized after posting a video in which they followed Texas Rep. Dan Crenshaw through the Cannon House Office Building on Thursday.
The video shows two U.S. Army veterans, Jason Hurd and Alan Pitts, confront the congressman with accusations against President Trump including calling him a “criminal” who wants to “hijack our democracy.” Hurd repeatedly refers to the Mueller report and angrily accuses Crenshaw of “letting him [Trump] cozy up to dictators” and “lock kids in cages.” “C’mon dude!” Hurd screams as Crenshaw heads for the elevator.
Dan Crenshaw is a retired Navy SEAL lieutenant commander who served multiple tours of duty. He lost his right eye after being injured in an IED explosion in Afghanistan in 2012 but continued to serve until his medical retirement in 2016.
“You want to talk to me about courage?” Crenshaw said to the men after they suggested that he needs “to get his courage back.” The congressman was also accused of being “complicit” in Trump’s alleged crimes. “Calm down” Crenshaw suggested as Hurd and Pitts continued their antagonization of him with excited accusations and repeated anti-Trump talking points.
As Crenshaw moved into the ‘Members Only’ elevator, the Common Defense Veterans continued their verbal tirade and asked if they could join the congressman in the elevator. “No,” Crenshaw said, pointing out that it was only for members of Congress. “You have not made one actual point.” Crenshaw attempted to end the conversation but ultimately let the veterans in the elevator.
The Common Defense post suggested that Crenshaw had “hid” in the elevator while refusing to have a conversation with the veterans. “GOP Rep @DanCrenshawTX hid in an elevator today when combat vets confronted him about his support for Donald Trump,” the Twitter post said. “We’re standing up for our democracy and holding Trump’s cronies accountable.”
Do you know what the words “hid in an elevator” mean? Cause this wasn’t it. Your caption is sensational just like your recycled orange man bad talking points. He was right- you didn’t want to talk. You wanted to make a video. Nothing gets solved like this.
— Jessica Fletcher (@heckyessica) September 20, 2019
The critique of Crenshaw drew the attention of many people online who felt that the congressman was unfairly characterized after the encounter. “Do you know what the words ‘hid in an elevator’ mean? Cause this wasn’t it,” Jessica Fletcher said. “Your caption is sensational just like your recycled orange man bad talking points. He was right- you didn’t want to talk. You wanted to make a video. Nothing gets solved like this.”
“Shameful. And I’m not talking about Dan,” another Twitter user said.
Shameful. And I’m not talking about Dan.
— Phil (@philthatremains) September 20, 2019
“This is unhinged. This clearly wasn’t an honest attempt at a conversation. And I don’t see where he ‘hid’ either. Embarrassing,” said Blaire White.
This is unhinged. This clearly wasnt an honest attempt at a conversation. And I don’t see where he “hid” either.
Embarrassing.
— Blaire White (@MsBlaireWhite) September 20, 2019
