A viral video showing Rep. Maxine Waters and Rep. Maxwell Frost being blocked from entering the U.S. Department of Education has generated widespread attention.
In the footage, shared by Rep. Frost, the lawmakers arrive at the agency's headquarters to advocate for education, only to find the building locked. They are confronted by a man who refuses to let them inside.
Someone get me this guys name. I want to buy him a beer.
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) February 7, 2025
pic.twitter.com/DZGeNOZwAc
Initially, rumors circulated on social media that the man was Tobie Jansen van Rensburg, a South African cybersecurity expert with alleged ties to a white supremacist group. However, Rep. Waters identified the individual as Jim Hairfield, a deputy assistant secretary in the Department of Education's Office of Security, Facilities, and Logistics Services.
Rep. Frost expressed frustration, noting that he had previously been able to enter the building without issue. He also mentioned that "armed federal officials" were later called to the scene. Rep. Gwen Moore added her own footage, emphasizing the broader issue of limiting oversight of public education.
A spokesperson for the Department of Education confirmed that the protest was an exercise of First Amendment rights by the members of Congress, as the protest had not been scheduled in advance.
This incident follows concerns raised by House and Senate Democrats regarding possible efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, with reports indicating that the Trump administration is preparing an executive order to begin the process. The potential move has sparked strong opposition from lawmakers committed to protecting equitable access to education.
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