Pressley’s Ex-Husband Snatches Phone — Caught
Someone tried to ask Rep. Ayanna Pressley a question at Chelsea City Hall. It did not go well.
A man followed Pressley and asked about alleged fraud tied to Somali childcare in Minnesota. Before the question was finished, her ex-husband, Conan Harris, reportedly reached over and slapped the phone out of the man’s hand. The phone hit the floor.
The questioner can be heard saying, “Congresswoman Pressley, do you support President Trump investigating Somali childcare fraud in Minnesota?” The video shows Pressley walking past and not answering. Harris’s action ended the exchange.
People in the clip react with surprise. One man says, “Sir, you cannot take my phone out of my hand.” Pressley moved on through Chelsea City Hall while the phone lay on the floor.
Fox News reported, “Harris spent 10 years in prison on a drug trafficking charge before marrying Pressley, who said she draws from his experience of reintegrating into regular society after leaving prison to help inform how she advocates for incarcerated, or previously incarcerated, individuals.”
That detail is part of the background. But the confrontation itself raised a simpler question: why resort to grabbing a phone when someone asks a public official a question?
The story also revived criticism about Pressley’s finances. Pressley has been criticized in conservative outlets for accumulating real estate and a growing asset figure. Reports noted her first disclosure listed about $1,000,000 in assets and later disclosures showed much higher totals. The New York Post and others have run pieces on the gap between her rhetoric and her reported wealth.
Republicans were quick to pounce. “Ayanna Pressley is a hypocrite who preaches socialism while pocketing millions,” Republican National Committee spokeswoman Kiersten Pels told The Post. “She tells everyday Americans they must be forced to defund the police and live with sky-high crime in their communities while indulging in private security. Pressley is a fraud – just like the rest of the Squad.”
Pressley has also used fiery language at demonstrations. In a past protest she yelled, “I want to say to our Republican colleagues — pay attention. We’re here today in the hopes that you will see the light. But if you do not see the light, we will bring the fire. Resist!” She also called Elon Musk a “Nazi nepo baby.”
Critics say the Chelsea incident shows tone-deafness and a willingness to shut down questions rather than answer them. Supporters will point to Harris’s past and to Pressley’s stated advocacy for people leaving prison. The video, though, is blunt and easy to watch: a phone is knocked free. A question goes unanswered. A member of Congress walks on.
Video of the encounter circulated online. Reporters and commentators on both sides picked apart what happened and why. The short exchange left a clear public impression: when confronted, Pressley did not stop to answer — and her ex-husband stepped in physically.
Questions remain. Who recorded the clip? Were any charges filed over the phone being taken? Has Pressley’s office commented beyond ignoring the man in the footage? Expect more pushback and more coverage as this plays out politically.