U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Sunday defended the right of protesters for abortion rights to protest against Supreme Court Judge Brett Kavanaugh in front of a restaurant where he was having dinner.
“People are upset. They shall exercise their rights under the First Amendment. As long as this is peaceful, this is protected, “Buttigieg told Fox News Sunday, according to a transcript. He said public officials should expect a certain amount of criticism and protests.
“The end result is this: any public figure should always be free from violence, intimidation and harassment, but should never be free from criticism or people exercising their First Amendment rights.”
– Pete Buttigieg
Last week, Politico reported that Kavanaugh walked out of a downtown Washington restaurant through the back door after abortion rights protesters gathered in front of him while he ate. According to the report, Kavanaugh had not noticed them and left after completing his meal.
When Fox News presenter Mike Emanuel asked him if he would be comfortable with protesters protesting against him while eating at a restaurant, Buttigieg replied, “Protesting peacefully outside in a public space? Sure. Look, not even I can tell you the number of spaces, places and stages where I have been protested ”.
Last month, Congress passed new security measures to protect Supreme Court justices and their families after a gunman was arrested in front of Kavanaugh’s home and charged with attempted murder.