Rep. Tim Burchett on Tuesday accused former Speaker Kevin McCarthy of elbowing him within the again whereas the Tennessean was being interviewed within the Capitol.
Mr. Burchett was one of many eight Republicans who ousted Mr. McCarthy, California Republican, in early October after the previous speaker sought Democrats to assist cross a short-term spending invoice to maintain the federal government open.
Mr. Burchett mentioned the elbow to the again was “uncool.”
“It caught me off guard because it was a clean shot to the kidneys, and I turned back and there was Kevin,” he mentioned.
The incident unfolded when NPR was interviewing Mr. Burchett. Mr. McCarthy and his safety element appeared within the hallway, and the previous high House Republican reportedly lunged at Mr. Burchett, hanging him within the again.
Mr. Burchett then chased after Mr. McCarthy, saying the lawmaker had “no guts.”
Although Mr. McCarthy denied that he dealt the blow, Mr. Burchett mentioned after he confronted the previous speaker, “It’s like, you know, a guy throws a rock over a fence when he’s a kid and runs home and hides behind his mama’s skirt. You know, he’s got the security detail around him and so nobody’s gonna be able to do anything to him.”
Mr. Burchett advised NPR after strolling away from Mr. McCarthy that the incident was the primary time the 2 have spoken because the Tennessee congressman joined with Rep. Matt Gaetz, Florida Republican, and others to oust him.
Mr. Gaetz mentioned the altercation was “wild.”
“McCarthy resorting to pushing people in the halls,” Mr. Gaetz mentioned on X. “What a weak, pathetic husk of a man.”
Mr. McCarthy advised CNN he “didn’t shove or elbow” Mr. Burchett, saying it was a good hallway.
