Members of the Denver City Council expressed anger, dismay and fear Tuesday during the mayor-council meeting over protesters at Monday’s meeting.
The council voted Monday not to issue a proclamation supporting a ceasefire in Gaza. Hundreds of Palestinian and Jewish supporters packed the council during a divisive vote. Voting for the ceasefire proclamation were Shontel Lewis, Sarah Parady, Jamie Torres and Serena Gonzales Guttierez. The rest of the council voted no.
Council member Darell Watson took offense at people in the front row laughing as he spoke of a homeless family member dying on the streets. “Last night was not a demonstration of what democracy looks like,” he said. He said the protesters partook in a “takeover of council,” noting it’s the third time it has happened in seven months.
Watson said the people in the front row were “laughing, jeering and snapping.” Some were escorted out. “This is a cancer on our process that should not continue.” He said a woman’s restroom was vandalized.