Violence erupts at townhall meeting in Tampa

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Townhall in TampaRight-wing mob mentality kicks into overdrive in Tampa, where nearly a thousand showed up to attend a townhall meeting on healthcare reform. From 10Connects.com in Tampa:

Angry protesters and strong supporters are clashing inside and all around a health care reform town hall meeting in Downtown Tampa. The meeting which was scheduled to begin at 6:00 at the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County drew hundreds of people who quickly began to overwhelm staff and event organizers at the front entrance.

As the building filled to capacity, angry protesters stuck outside began to scream, yell, and chant. At one point, those trying to get inside began banging on windows as Tampa Police officers quickly spread out guarding all entrances.

10 Connects photojournalist Kevin Carlson, currently inside the meeting reports at least one fist fight breaking out inside. Some other journalists remain outside.

Democratic Congresswoman Kathy Castor and State Representative Betty Reed were hosting the event.

Video outside the townhall below.

Ybor City is known as Tampa’s latin quarter.
Post by ILO on 08/06/09 at 5:59 pm