In response to disruptions at Senator Bennet’s town hall at the University of Denver, Senator Bennet released the following statement:
This year, I have held 10 in-person town halls across Colorado, more than any United States Senator. All Coloradans are welcome to attend my town halls and ask me anything. I do not plant or pre-screen questions, and I never will.
Unfortunately, at a town hall yesterday, a handful of participants came with one objective: to disrupt. They would not allow others to ask questions, yelled profanity, made false claims, and threatened my staff. It was unacceptable behavior and a disservice to the Coloradans who attended for a conversation about the future of our country.
My position on the war in Gaza has always been clear. On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists carried out the deadliest attack against Jews since the Holocaust. I believe – and have always believed – Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas. Hamas started this war and could end it tomorrow if they released the hostages.
I stand with the people of Israel, but have long been concerned with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s prosecution of this war, including the destruction of wide swaths of Gaza and limiting aid delivery. The loss of life in Gaza weighs heavily on our collective conscience.
I will continue pushing Israel, the White House, and our partners across the Middle East to do everything we can to mitigate the suffering in Gaza, bring all hostages home, and, ultimately, secure a mutual ceasefire that sets the stage for a two-state solution.
For the sake of Palestinian and Israeli children alike, and U.S. national security, we must fight for a better future in the Middle East.
And, for the sake of our own country, we need to have important conversations without the threat of violence. No matter what, I will always make myself available to Coloradans and show up, listen, and answer tough questions.