Breakaway Lawmakers Reportedly Pepper Sprayed During ‘Session’

Published: November 13, 2024

Capitol Hill – On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, unknown individuals reportedly targeted the joint chamber of the Liberian Legislature, allegedly releasing pepper spray through a broken door. The attack caused several members of the anti-Speaker Koffa bloc to temporarily suffer from severe coughing, teary eyes, and discomfort due to suffocation during their regular session.

The ‘majority bloc’, a coalition of lawmakers advocating for the removal of House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, had gathered in the joint chamber to conduct legislative business when the intruders attempted to disrupt the session. According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred just as the chaplain was delivering the opening prayer.

Our legislative correspondent reported that the confrontation began when unidentified individuals tried to break into the chamber, leading to a clash between them and personal security officers and staff of some lawmakers.

The intruders, positioned at the door of the joint chamber, unsuccessfully attempted to force their way in as they were met with resistance from security personnel and legislative staff. The Liberian Investigator observed one individual applying pepper spray directly through a gap in the door, causing immediate discomfort inside the chamber.

In response, legislative security and staff used broken chair parts to fortify the door against the intruders. “We’re all crazy here. Let them try and enter this place [the joint chamber]; they will be resisted,” one security officer stated. Despite the continuous pressure on the door, security forces remained vigilant, preventing the intruders from entering.

Representative Clarence Gahr, the co-presiding officer of the Majority Bloc, was the first to feel the effects of the pepper spray, quickly donning a black face mask to shield himself. The spray soon permeated the chamber, causing clerical staff and lawmakers to sneeze uncontrollably and many to experience reddened, teary eyes. Some legislators were seen using bottles of water and handkerchiefs to alleviate the effects, while others donned face masks.

Despite the severity of the situation, the 42 members of the anti-Koffa bloc continued their legislative proceedings under the leadership of Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah. “Distinguished colleagues, it is observed that the joint chamber has been besieged by unknown individuals, but I urge you to be cautious,” Fallah announced, adding, “We can now proceed with session.”

The incident, which lasted nearly ten minutes, left several lawmakers fanning themselves with agenda papers and struggling with discomfort. Nonetheless, the session eventually returned to normal, and legislative business resumed until the session was adjourned.