Following President Donald Trump’s acceptance speech at the White House to conclude the 2020 Republican National Convention last week, a number of attendees were confronted by protesters while exiting the area. Among those confronted was Ronny Jackson, the Republican nominee for U.S. House District 13.
In an interview with Texas Scorecard, Jackson said he and his wife were leaving the White House grounds shortly after the president’s acceptance speech concluded when they were greeted by a number of protesters. Jackson said streets around the White House were closed due to the event, but protesters were still able to be present in the area, forcing exiting attendees to walk past those who Jackson said were screaming obscenities and threatening convention-goers.
While making their way toward their hotel, Jackson said he and his party witnessed a person who was screaming profanities at convention attendees begin to confront an older man who was leaving the convention. Jackson said he felt the situation escalate at that point, so he stepped in to defend the convention attendee.
“The guy turned on me and got in my face,” Jackson said. “I didn’t know what was about to happen, but it felt like he was about to throw a punch at me.”
Jackson said the individual who confronted him was chased into nearby bushes by police officers. However, while the situation ended without violence, Jackson expressed concerns about what could have happened if authorities had not been present.
“I was with my wife and I didn’t want anything to happen to her,” Jackson said.
The experience has stuck with Jackson, who said he intends to make changes on these issues if he wins his general election campaign for Congress in November.
“Personally, I’m done with it,” Jackson said. “I can’t wait to get to Congress to do something about this and clean up this mess.”
Jackson also said he believes the violence currently seen at protests across the country sends a major signal about what is at stake in the November election.
“People are scared to death,” Jackson said. “I think they are going to get out and vote for President Trump to restore law and order in this country.”
Jackson will appear on the ballot in the November 3 general election to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry (R–Clarendon). Jackson will face Democrat Gus Trujillo and Libertarian Jack B. Westbrook in that election.
All Texans are encouraged to contact their county and local elected officials to ask what they will be doing to enforce law and order from now through the election.
