East Central Reporter

State Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) is calling on Democratic leaders to condemn the "extremists" behind the violent, pro-Hamas protests surrounding the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. 

Halbrook expressed strong disapproval of both the violence by protesters and the Democratic leadership's response.

“While I do not agree with the point of view of the protesters, I do support their right to express their opinions,” Halbrook told the Chambana Sun. “But having said that, there is no place for violence, verbal abuse, and disrespect of police officers. We have the right of free speech in this country, but there is no right to act the way many of the demonstrators in Chicago are acting.”

Halbrook's comments come as unrest boils over at the convention, documented and widely-distributed on social media by independent journalist Andy Ngo and others, where protesters are engaging in hateful speech and violent clashes with law enforcement. 

In one incident, a man with his face covered by a keffiyeh – traditional headdress worn by men from parts of the Middle East – and wearing a bra was seen cursing out a row of police officers. 

In another video, a man was roughed up by Antifa members after he attempted to snatch an American flag the leftist-group had burned. Videos have also depicted Antifa activists cutting through barriers to enter the United Center, as well as bloodied assault victims splayed out on the ground just outside the event. 

“It is bizarre how the Democrats are basically ignoring what is going on outside their convention,” he said. “The protesters are not Republicans. They are left-wing activists who align with the values of the Democratic party. The Democrats should condemn the actions of these extremists unless, of course, they are content with allowing those folks to be the face of their party.”

Halbrook highlighted what he perceives as a double standard. 

“The double standard here is obvious,” he said. “The Democrats have nominated a woman who donated to a bail fund to get rioters out of jail during the demonstrations after the George Floyd incident. They also nominated a man for Vice President who let Minneapolis burn.”

Halbrook is referring to Harris promoting the Minnesota Freedom Fund, which raised $35 million following Harris’s endorsement during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. The fund helped to free individuals convicted of severe crimes, including murder and sexual assault. 

As noted by Halbrook, Harris's running mate Tim Walz continues to face criticism for his delayed response during the 2020 George Floyd protests in Minneapolis, which saw significant destruction and chaos. Despite a call for National Guard support from Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Walz did not act until over 24 hours later, causing frustration and skepticism about his management. 

Walz also belittled the National Guard’s capabilities at the time. His subsequent handling of the situation, including a misleading portrayal of his military service, have fueled accusations of "stolen valor" and mismanagement.

Damage from the riots in Minnesota totaled over $500 million, with more than 1,000 buildings damaged and over 200 structures were set ablaze including Max It Pawn in Minneapolis where Oscar Lee Stewart Jr. died after being trapped inside.

Critics have also compared the locked tight security barriers at the DNC and police presence to the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot, where a small police force was easily overwhelmed by activists.

Former U.S. Capitol Police Lieutenant Tarik Johnson has described the lax security on Jan. 6, 2021 as a “set-up and…an enormous size cover-up,” highlighting the disparity in law enforcement responses. His account has been backed up in part by former U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund.

Ngo also contrasted the swift police response at the DNC to the recent unrest with the 2020 riots, suggesting that the immediate action taken by law enforcement at the DNC was in stark contrast to the perceived inaction during the Black Lives Matter and Antifa protests of that year. 

The unequal treatment of both events by Democrats has Halbrook calling out the hypocrisy. 

“Both Harris and Walz have roundly condemned the events on January 6th but have remained silent about what happened during the Black Lives Matter protests that got out of control nor have they said anything about what is happening in Chicago and the mainstream media is also silent,” Halbrook said. 

Halbrook urged Americans to take action on Nov. 5. 

“There is not much that can be done about this hypocrisy,” he said. “The only thing honest, patriotic Americans can do is to show up in large numbers to vote for Donald Trump.”