General Discussion

Security got rough with some people as they exited the event, but Bell kept his cool.
by Ryan Krull

August 20, 2025 at 5:50 AM

... A theme throughout the town hall was a tension between the pro-Palestinian protesters and those who were upset that the protests were crowding out conversation about local issues like gun violence and tornado recovery. Bell said at one point: “The number one killer of kids in St. Louis between ages one and 17 is gun violence, and there’s some people who want to talk about that” ...

“What are you doing to fight back against the rise of authoritarianism and fascism coming from the Trump administration?”

Bell started talking about a strategy to push back against Trump through “litigation, legislation, and mobilization.” He said that because Democrats are in the minority, with minimal power, “it’s essential we bring the same energy to the elections next year.” This was said to the thumping beat of more protesters drumming outside the building ...

After about 90 minutes, the event began wrapping up. Bell had managed to keep his cool throughout ... Unfortunately, the same could not be said for the security officers ushering everyone out One attendee did give Bell kudos for even having the event, unlike other members of Missouri’s delegation, who are forgoing such town halls over worries about being met not with outrage about Gaza, but confronted over the actions of the Trump administration ...

https://www.stlmag.com/news/wesley-bell-town-hall-congress-gaza/