GOP Lawmakers Storm Defense Official Laura Cooper’s Testimony To Protest Impeachment Inquiry [VIDEO]

More than 20 Republican lawmakers on Wednesday invaded a closed-door hearing of a top defense official in protest of the Democratic-led impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump.

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida), a fervent Trump ally, led the House GOP pack in storming the deposition room. The lawmakers demanded to witness the proceedings and refused to leave. Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary Laura Cooper‘s testimony was ultimately delayed by more than five hours as a result.

In addition to their sit-in, top-ranking GOP lawmakers wrote a letter to House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-California) demanding that the whistleblower who voiced concern about Trump’s quid pro quo with Ukraine testify publicly. Many Republicans brought their cellphones — as well as pizza and snacks — to the secure briefing room, known as the sensitive compartmented information facility. GOP lawmakers’ protest violated security protocols because House rules state that only committee members and authorized officials are allowed to attend hearings like Cooper’s.

Capitol Police and sergeant at arms were reportedly contacted after Republicans refused to leave the deposition room. Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-Alabama) was seen screaming at Schiff, although the House Intelligence chairman did not respond.

Cooper, whom the Pentagon tried to block from appearing before Democratic House investigators, was scheduled to testify about her knowledge of the Trump administration’s effort to withhold military aid to Ukraine in exchange for an investigation into Joe Biden. The hearing ultimately lasted less than four hours.

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