Congresswoman Elise Stefanik met with boos, jeers during visit to Plattsburgh [View all]

Source: WPTZ-TV Burlington, VT/Plattsburgh, NY

Updated: 6:20 PM EDT Aug 18, 2025


PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — A group of protesters met North Country Rep. Elise Stefanik with boos and jeers during a ceremony in Plattsburgh to honor the late John Zurlo. Stefanik (R-NY), who represents the 21st congressional district and is a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, was in attendance for a renaming ceremony at the Clinton County Government Center along with other local politicians including Assemblyman Billy Jones and Zurlo's family on Monday morning.

Zurlo died in December at the age of 86 and was considered a pillar of public service in the community, having served in various roles for more than 50 years. Jones remarked on Zurlo's character and the many years he dedicated to serving his community. "He was always, always on as a public servant. And to have this building named after him, I think, is a testimony to what it means to be a true officer. And John was certainly that," Jones said. When Zurlo died last year, Stefanik posted a tribute to him, calling him a "dear friend."

When it was her turn to speak at the renaming ceremony, protesters loudly booed, shouting things like "You sold us out." Protesters made up more than half of the crowd in attendance, many of them holding anti-Stefanik signs. Later, Stefanik addressed the media, saying she was disappointed that the event was politicized. "Today's event was about honoring John Zurlo," Stefanik said. "It is a disgusting disgrace that this is what the far left does. Rather than understanding that his family has been through a tremendous amount. It was about honoring his legacy."

Protesters booed Stefanik both times she went to the podium to speak. There was a call for Stefanik to hold a town hall that echoed through the crowd, even when local speakers took their turns at the podium. "Well, Elise has not shown up in our district for months and months," said protester Mavis Agnew. "She won't hold a town hall, she won't take questions.

Read more: https://www.mynbc5.com/article/elise-stefanik-plattsburgh-protesters/65808523