One Florida House Democrat is accusing a colleague of bullying and threatening her at a meeting of party leaders over the weekend.
First-term Representative Anika Omphroy of Lauderdale Lakes is alleging fellow House member Carlos G. Smith of Orlando acted inappropriately in the presence of their colleagues. In an open letter published to her social media, Omphroy says Smith “pounded his hand and lashed out at me” with insults. Omphroy goes on to accuse Smith of kneeling in front of her legs where she sat, preventing her from moving away from the interaction.
Smith has since responded to the allegation on Twitter, acknowledging a tense conversation but calling details of Omphroys recollection “false.” Smith says he walked away from the exchange, and has a “completely different understanding” of how it transpired. Smith says he has reached out to Omphroy and House Speaker Jose Oliva to facilitate a dialogue.
The News Service of Florida reported Florida Democrats were gathered Feb. 9 for a re-scheduled party meeting.
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