Protester Removed at JD Vance’s Rally in North Carolina
At a campaign rally for Vice President JD Vance in Hendersonville, North Carolina, a protester disrupted the event, prompting the crowd to chant ‘USA.’ The protester shouted, ‘Release the Epstein files,’ and ‘God, bless our children’ before security removed them. As the protester was escorted out, Vance observed with the crowd chanting in response.
Vance addressed the interruption immediately. ‘I said that we have had zero illegal border crossings in the United States,’ he remarked, eliciting applause and laughter, then added, ‘But one isn’t bad right?’ He continued by emphasizing his stance against the far-left Democrats like Don Davis, accusing them of supporting a government that favors fraudsters and illegal aliens over American citizens.
The rally occurred on October 19, supporting Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley and Republican congressional candidate Jennifer Balkcom. Newsweek contacted the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, Vance, Balkcom, and Whatley for comment regarding the incident.
“The unfortunate reality, ladies and gentlemen, is that the people the Democrats have put up against Michael and Jennifer, they’re props.” – JD Vance
This disruption mirrored an earlier incident at President Donald Trump’s rally in Youngstown, Ohio, on October 12, where a female protester was pushed down by law enforcement.
Vance’s visit to Hendersonville was part of a larger Republican effort to strengthen support for GOP candidates in the upcoming midterm elections, which also included President Donald Trump’s campaign efforts in Greenville. Recognizing declining poll numbers, Republicans launched a 32-day campaign blitz anticipated to continue until Election Day on November 3.
State of Play in North Carolina
Republicans are intensifying their campaign in North Carolina, aiming to close the gap in the Senate race against Democrat Roy Cooper and in two competitive House races. RealClearPolling data shows Cooper leading with 50.7 percent over Whatley’s 41.1 percent, reflecting a 9.6-point advantage for the Democrat.
Vance’s appearance in Hendersonville placed him in the heart of the 11th Congressional District race, where Republican Balkcom contends against Democrat Jamie Ager. WLOS noted Vance’s supportive campaign visit for Balkcom and Whatley amid these high-stakes races.