Man arrested for shouting into Utah Republican’s mic at debate

Police arrested a man Monday who interrupted a debate by shouting into Rep. Chris Stewart’s (R-Utah) mic during a debate with opponent Shireen Ghorbani (D) in Utah.

Corbin Cox McMillen was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and interrupting a political debate for commandeering Stewart’s mic to claim a connection between vaccines and autism, according to local CBS affiliate KUTV in Utah.

{mosads}McMillen appeared to shout “vaccines cause autism,” before being escorted off stage, according to multiple reports.

The Utah Debate Commission released a statement promising to improve security for future debates.

“Safety in our venues is our number one priority,” the statement read, according to KUTV. “Unfortunately, one person crossed the line, was escorted out and arrested by law enforcement authorities that were present. The Utah Debate Commission will review and enhance our security at future debates while simultaneously continuing to encourage participation in the electoral process.”

A Dan Jones & Associates poll from earlier this month found Stewart with an 11-point lead over Ghorbani at 45 to 34 percent with 16 percent undecided. The margin of error was 6.9 percent.

Stewart was first elected as a representative of Utah’s 2nd District in 2012.