A supporter of President Donald Trump briefly interrupted remarks by Sen. Chris Murphy on Tuesday evening during an alternative event held in Washington, D.C., at the same time as the State of the Union address.
While President Trump delivered his speech before a joint session of Congress, Murphy and several other Democrats participated in what organizers called the “People’s State of the Union,” an event supported by the advocacy organization MoveOn. The gathering aimed to present a contrasting message to the president’s address.
As Murphy introduced a guest speaker, a man wearing a red hat approached the stage area and shouted in support of Trump. The interruption was brief. Security personnel quickly escorted the individual away, and Murphy responded calmly before continuing with the program.
Murphy’s invited guest was Fereshteh Ganjavi, founder of Elena’s Light, a Connecticut nonprofit organization that works with refugee women and children. According to the senator’s office, the group focuses on helping families adjust to life in the United States. Murphy has been critical of the administration’s immigration policies and opted to attend the rally instead of the address inside the Capitol.
The episode highlighted the sharp political divide surrounding the State of the Union. Inside the chamber, the president emphasized border enforcement and economic policy priorities, drawing strong support from Republican lawmakers. Outside, Democratic leaders and activists voiced alternative perspectives on immigration and social policy. Despite the brief disruption, the outdoor event proceeded as planned.