Rep. Cooley Threatens Environmentalists

Sun., Sept. 29, 1996

Associated Press

Sierra Club employees protesting on the U.S. Capitol lawn say they were shocked when Rep. Wes Cooley, R-Ore., called them communists and threatened to punch one of them, The Oregonian reported Saturday.

The confrontation occurred Friday as Cooley was leaving a rally celebrating Republican accomplishments in the 104th Congress.

Nine Sierra Club employees were protesting nearby, carrying signs that read: “Protect the Environment.”

Witnesses said Cooley began hurling insults and waving his middle finger at the group. He charged toward them, calling them “communists.”

“He was totally out of control,” said Melanie Griffin, Sierra Club land protections director. Griffin asked him if he would repeat his gesture so she could take a picture. He complied.

Another Sierra Club employee, John Leary, asked him his name.

Witnesses said Cooley walked up and pushed his chest against Leary’s.

A Cooley spokesman said the congressman did not deny that Friday’s incident occurred, but declined further comment.

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