Nyack, NY – March 20, 2025 – A luncheon event hosted by the Rockland Business Association (RBA) took an unexpected turn on Thursday when a group of approximately 10-15 protesters disrupted a discussion featuring Congressman Mike Lawler, the representative for New York’s 17th Congressional District.
“They barged in, had signs, linked arms, and shouted down Mike Lawler while he was answering everyone’s questions. People were pulled off stage.” One person near the front of the room told Rockland News. Orangetown Police were called, and the protestors were peacefully escorted out of the room.
The luncheon, held at the Hotel Nyack in the Town of Orangetown, was a sold-out event attended by about 110 people, including Rockland County Executive Ed Day, four out of the five Town Supervisors, business leaders, and RBA executives, including President Ken Zebrowski and CEO Al Samuels. The Rockland Community Foundation, which handles countless charitable efforts in the County, was in attendance. Local small businesses and Chambers of Commerce were all in attendance.
All were asking questions of Congressman Lawler, who in turn – answered them.
The RBA, which maintains a strictly bipartisan stance, has traditionally encouraged dialogue between elected officials, residents and local businesses. Questions posed to Rep. Lawler came from that same diverse array of business owners and civic leaders of Democratic, Republican, and Independent backgrounds.
Protesters Disrupt Open Discussion
As Congressman Lawler fielded all questions posed by members, the protestors entered the conference room and marched to the front, interrupting the discussion.
The protesters began shouting over Lawler, creating a scene that quickly escalated into a physical altercation. Within minutes,four individuals had fallen to the floor during particularly tense moments. Witnesses described the atmosphere as tense and unsettling, with some attendees expressing feelings of fear and uncertainty as the situation developed.
Event Leaders Condemn Disruption
RBA CEO Al Samuels, a founding executive of the organization, expressed disappointment with the protesters’ approach.
“They showed up with banners. They were very profane. And it got physical.
But what I really found interesting is that if they didn’t shout down the Representative, he probably would have answered their questions. He was taking everyone’s questions at the event.
But as far as the RBA, we conduct these luncheons to facilitate discussions with the people voted into office to represent all of us. That was supposed to be the point of today,”” Samuels stated.
Stony Point Supervisor Jim Monaghan had similar sentiments, emphasizing that protesting is a right, but there is a proper way to do it.
“Anyone has a right to protest. But there is a way to do it. Mike took questions from people that were there from both the Democrat and Republican sides of the aisle. And they weren’t easy questions. He answered them. The protests took away people’s opportunity to ask more questions,” Monaghan said.
Town of Haverstraw Supervisor Howard Phillips, stated “It was very inappropriate. If people want to protest outside, that’s their right to do, but without civil debate, we turn into a society of chaos. It’s a shame that people disrupt a forum where very intriguing questions were starting to be asked to the Congressman – he was taking any questions.”
Facility Representatives Disheartened
The Hotel Nyack, which hosted the event, also expressed regret over the incident.
“We are here for tourism and positive, enjoyable experiences for our guests. Today was disappointing. We are nonetheless thankful for the opportunity to facilitate events – and we will continue to provide great experiences for all our valued guests,” a spokesperson for the facility commented.
Concerns Over Escalation and Protest Leadership
While no arrests were reported at the time of this writing, several anonymous attendees expressed feelings of fear as the protest escalated.
“I felt very uncomfortable,” one individual stated. “It’s actually one of those things that I don’t want to really talk about, but there was a moment where I didn’t know what was going to happen next. That’s not a comfortable feeling for me.”
Additionally, multiple sources at the event suggested that one of the key organizers of the protest may have been a man named Walter Masterson, from Washington, D.C. Rockland News is working to confirm this information.
Continued Coverage
Rockland News will be following up on this story as more information becomes available. For additional details and updates, subscribe to our free newsletter at Rockland News and tune in to our upcoming Rockland News Podcast.
More Information:
- Rockland Business Association (RBA): rocklandbusiness.org
- Rockland News Podcast: Listen Here