(CNN) Democratic Rep. Katie Porter of California responded to a scuffle that broke out at an event she held in her district on Sunday between protesters and attendees, claiming that the incident was premeditated by her opponents. It is disappointing that a small but vocal group of attendees, who advertised a 'confrontation rally,' created unsafe conditions at a planned family-friendly event" Porter said in a statement provided to CNN. Ahead of Porter's event, Nick Taurus, who says he plans to run against Porter in the midterm election, posted on Instagram that he wanted his supporters to join him at the town hall to "CONFRONT KATIE PORTER!" Since the incident, Taurus said on Instagram that he and his followers were "attacked by rabid leftists" at the town hall and alleged that Porter only took "pre-selected" questions. Porter said in a statement to CNN that her team is evaluating how to keep her events safe going forward, a continued challenge for members who face heightened security threats while in their home districts.

Source: CNN July 12, 2021 17:15 UTC