HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Candidates in Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District race on Tuesday condemned profane and threatening messages that appeared on screen during a virtual debate.
Democratic U.S. Rep. John Larson, Republican Mary Fay and Green Party candidate Tom McCormick were all at different locations when they took part via video conference in Monday’s debate, which was sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Greater Hartford and West Hartford Community Interactive.
“This type of hatred has no place in Connecticut,” Larson said in a statement. He said it was despicable that Fay and the moderator were attacked.
In an online video of the debate, one person sent messages with profane, sexual and anti-LGBTQ language that appeared on screen for more than two minutes as Fay, who is openly gay, and Larson spoke. The moderator told watchers the debate had just been “Zoom bombed” and the comments were blocked.
Fay said some of the messages also threatened bodily harm. She said she alerted West Hartford police.
“It was hateful. It was vulgar. It was disgusting. It was threatening,” she said in a phone interview. “It was horrible. It broke my heart. It kept me up last night.”
McCormick also condemned the comments but said the incident shouldn’t be given undue attention.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.