Asheville – On Thursday, March 13th, despite advice from the National Republican Congressional Committee that members avoid town halls due to potential negative confrontations, Congressman Chuck Edwards held a town hall meeting at the Ferguson Auditorium at AB Tech, which included over 300 constituents from District 11. The crowd began to line up early, with many hoping to hear an update on the rebuilding of Western North Carolina. Some people waited over an hour to enter, but many were unable to do so as the hall filled to capacity.
A large crowd gathered outside the venue. Observing the crowd, it was easy to predict the direction this event would take. The majority appeared to be the regular group of Asheville protesters, chanting, yelling, holding signs, and blocking the entrance to the building.
Town Hall Meeting With Constituents
Edwards, who has been at the forefront of keeping the people in the disaster area informed about recovery efforts from Helene and how and where people could seek help, mentioned that he was approached by a woman at Barnes & Noble who asked if he would hold a town hall because she wanted to share her opinion. He said, “I’m here now, talk to me,” but she replied that she wanted a larger group to gather.
Despite being very busy with the national budget, Congressman Edwards decided to schedule the town hall, stating, “I’m accountable to the people of Western North Carolina. I love the people of Western North Carolina. I trust the people of Western North Carolina. Do I agree with everything? Do they agree with me about everything? Absolutely not, but why do we shy away from those conversations as long as we can do that civilly?” He continued, “I appreciate the opportunity to hear opinions even if they differ from mine.” The town hall was set to include opening remarks, followed by pre-written questions and then pre-written open mic questions.
A Report On WNC Relief
Congressman Edwards, who was put in charge of the special task for Helene relief, began by discussing what Western North Carolinians have endured, referencing the $110 billion disaster aid funding bill he wrote and helped pass in December. This funding will continue to flow “to supercharge our recovery.” Edwards also thanked the local population for coming together to help one another in our time of need, with neighbors assisting neighbors.
FEMA was addressed—both its successes and shortcomings—and Edwards reported that his office has been able to provide assistance for 350 cases so far, that 150,000 families have been helped, 450 parcels completed, and 1,300 roads are open. For those still in need of help, he established a hotline at 1-233-FIX-FEMA.
Protester Opportunity For National Exposure?
Before he could finish speaking about the work that has been accomplished, heckling began. He acknowledged the crowd and asked them to clap or boo as they wished but requested that they keep it brief to respect those who wanted to hear his message. Before Edwards could complete his update on WNC relief—specifically when he mentioned Trump coming to WNC almost immediately after the inauguration—the crowd erupted, yelling and talking over him, calling him a liar and disrupting the event to the point where police had to remove one man from the premises.
One local, who identified themselves as a Democrat, urged the dissenters not to act in such a manner as it made them look bad. Another added that if she could sit and behave, so could they. The hostile crowd remained unfazed, continuing to yell phrases like “you’re a liar,” “deport Musk,” and worse. Edwards maintained his composure throughout but remarked at one point, “I don’t think we’re being very productive.”
Valid Questions And Answers Interrupted
The questions primarily revolved around DOGE, federal job cuts, the Forestry Service, the Department of Education, and Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security cuts—issues which Edwards stated multiple times were not being cut. It was nearly impossible to hear his responses.
Congressman Edwards met with the press afterward, answering questions while only a few feet away protesters screamed and pounded on the doors and windows of the auditorium.
When attempting to leave, protesters surrounded Edwards’ vehicle, blocking him from departing.