Mitt Romney Interrupted By Heckler Asking About Climate Change

A heckler interrupted a Mitt Romney rally in Virginia earlier this week, asking the presidential candidate to address climate change.

During Romney’s speech, the heckler held up a banner reading “End Climate Silence” and shouted “What about climate change?” and “Climate change caused Sandy!” over the presidential candidate.

According to the Ticket, Romney had been asking for campaign donations when the heckler interrupted him.

Shortly after the heckler began questioning Romney’s views on climate change and Hurricane Sandy, the crowd booed the man and tore down his “End Climate Silence” banner. The crowd then began chanting “U-S-A! U-S-A!” as Romney smiled and waited to resume his speech.

Romney did not address the heckler when he resumed his speech. Instead, he appeared to continue right where he left off.

“You know, this is an election of great consequence, and I think you understand that,” Romney said. “I know there are some people that think we should just stay on the course we’re on, that think things are going fine right now. I don’t believe status quo is the right course for America.”

In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, climate change has once again become a hot topic for Americans, as many argue that the increasingly severe weather patterns the United States has been seeing are directly tied to climate change and global warming.

Earlier this week, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a Republican, publicly endorsed Barack Obama for President, citing Obama’s relief efforts in New York City and, surprisingly for many, his views on climate change. Bloomberg stated that climate change in the 21st century cannot be ignored.

On the other hand, Romney has drawn criticism from many over his views on climate change. At the Republican National Convention, Romney brushed off climate change, saying “President Obama promised to slow the rise of the oceans and to heal the planet. My promise is to help you and your family.”

Watch a video of the climate change heckler at Mitt Romney’s rally below.