Watch: Reporter hikes a hill to track down a GOP lawmaker refusing to be interviewed on the Capitol riot
Following the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol Building by a violent mob of far-right rioters, WHP-TV 21 — the CBS affiliate in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's state capitol — spent months trying to reach U.S. Rep. Scott Perry to discuss that insurrection with the Republican congressman. And when Michael Gorsegner, a reporter for the station, finally caught up with Perry this week, he still didn't want to talk about the events of January 6.
Gorsegner reports, "Since the January 6 insurrection, CBS 21 (has placed) dozens of phone calls and e-mails to Congressman Perry's office trying to speak with the Republican about a myriad of topics — from the claims of election fraud to the riots at the Capitol. (And) most notably of late, Congressman Perry's vote against the January 6 commission."
Gorsegner adds that he "tried to track down" Perry this week 'after a public event."
WATCH: After six months and "dozens of phone calls and emails" to Rep. Scott Perry's office, @CBS21NEWS had to track down a fleeing Perry through the woods in an attempt to ask him questions about his claims of election fraud and vote against 1/6 commission.\n\nHe declined.pic.twitter.com/AbNRZSZh2g— James Singer (@James Singer) 1622724413
"For 45 minutes," Gorsegner explains, "I waited respectfully as the Republican waded through the crowd. But instead of addressing me, the congressman (walked) out a back way into a lesser used exit."
Gorsegner adds that after Perry (whose district includes Harrisburg and York) left that event, he "hiked a hill" with a colleague in the hope of getting an interview with Perry — and they caught up with him only to be told that he "didn't have time for an interview." When Gorsegner asked Perry if he wanted to make a brief comment, the congressman still didn't want to talk to CBS 21.
