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Dem lawmaker blasted after losing it on photojournalist outside Capitol: ‘Maybe read the 1st Amendment’

December 20, 2024 | | Print Article

A Georgia Democrat is under fire for causing an “ugly scene” outside the Capitol when he lost it over someone taking his photo.

Democratic Congressman David Scott reportedly yelled at a photojournalist as an aide was pushing him in his wheelchair, demanding to know who gave him the “right” to take his picture.

Politico’s Francis Chung was among a throng of journalists outside the House side of the Capitol this week when the 79-year-old lawmaker came through.

“As Chung continued taking photos — as is his right in a public place — Scott turned his head to the side where Chung was and yelled, ‘Who gave you the right to take my picture, asshole?’ according to accounts from the scene, including from Punchbowl’s Melanie Zanona,” Politico reported.

But things got even uglier as Scott’s staffer then confronted Chung, demanding to know who he worked for and threatening to call his editor.

“I’m going to ask you to not come and take a picture of us as we’re trying to get into the Capitol,” the aide reportedly told the photojournalist.

“When Chung replied that he hadn’t gotten in the way, the aide pushed back, raising their voice and repeatedly saying ‘no,’ adding: ‘I’m going to ask you very nicely to not do that. We will be reaching out to your editor, whoever it is we have to reach out to,'” Politico reported.

Earlier this year, Politico reported on how some Democrats questioned Scott’s reelection bid as he sought his 12th term in office:

Even in private meetings, Scott frequently reads from a script and at times has trouble carrying out substantive conversations in real time about much of the food and agriculture policy that he oversees, according to more than a dozen lawmakers, congressional staff, lobbyists and agriculture advocates who have spoken with Scott in recent months and were granted anonymity to speak candidly about their concerns. Some lawmakers who’ve served with Scott for years note he’s long been well-liked by members in both parties, but they also describe him as much sharper a decade ago.

“David Scott is Exhibit A for term limits,” one Democratic lawmaker told the outlet of the top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee. “He was a respected, talented member who has become diminished. And it’s painful for people to watch.”

Notably, Politico reported this week that “Scott’s office declined to comment on the exchange” with Chung.

But social media had no problem commenting, and many did – with a strong answer to Scott’s question.

Frieda Powers
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