REDMOND, OR -- Redmond City Councilors briefly left their Tuesday evening meeting, after a shouting match during the opening public comment period. Members of the far-right group People's Rights Oregon (PRO) took turns speaking to the Council. They defended themselves and fellow members, in response to comments made about PRO by a citizen at a previous Council meeting. 

Following four others, Scott Stuart stepped to the podium (above) and spoke about pandemic-era mandates; at one point, referring to the "plan-demic." He also expressed frustration with a previous request to meet with City Councilor Clifford Evelyn. Stuart is Chair of the Deschutes Republican Party and a member of PRO. He also admitted to the large crowd he dressed as a Confederate soldier in a 2021 parade in Redmond.

 

Councilor Evelyn (left) denied allegations he refused to meet with Stuart and Stuart pushed back. Mayor Ed Fitch asked Stuart to stick to current city business and eventually called for a brief recess, at which time Council left the room.

 

During the pause, Police Chief Devon Lewis tried to calm the agitated crowd (pictured, right) before Council returned and resumed the meeting without further interruption. 

 

Listen to the exchange: