Dem lawmaker cancels town hall due to security concerns

Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) canceled a town hall on the new healthcare law Tuesday because of concerns about the security of the event.

The congressman's office cited safety issues at the facility where the meeting was to take place and threats to his office, according to a report by News21.

"We just thought it best to cancel it for safety concerns. This was not meant to be a place where we're going to talk partisan politics," Pat Lowry, a member of Ryan's staff, told News21. "Don't get me wrong, Congressman Ryan will debate anyone, anytime."

The cancelation comes a week after many lawmakers received threats because of their votes on the healthcare measure. 

Democrats and Republicans spent the end of last week sparring over which party bore the blame for the attacks.

Some Democrats, such as DNC Chairman Tim Kaine, accused Republicans of stoking the anger of Tea Party protesters, who Democrats say threatened members of their party. Some Republicans, such as House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (Va.), blamed Democrats for using the attacks as a political weapon against them.

A number of demonstrators who both supported and opposed the healthcare overhaul showed up at the event, which was to be held at the Youngstown Community Health Center.

According to the Warren Tribune Chronicle, a threatening letter was mailed to Ryan after he voted in favor of the healthcare reform bill a week and a half ago. 

Ryan's office told the news outlets that it plans to reschedule the event and hold it at a venue that has adequate security.

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