Rush Limbaugh mentioned Castor meeting before violence

Tampa, Florida - Normally, a public meeting about healthcare reform would bring a couple dozen people and feature calm remarks and sometimes- bland discussion.

But that wasn't the case Thursday evening at the Children's Board building in the Ybor City area of Tampa.

By 6:00 p.m., hundreds of people had gathered there for a public meeting with Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL).

Before Castor could give her opening remarks, the protests began. People in the meeting yelled at Castor, and those outside banged on windows and doors.

As people were asked to leave, several screaming matches erupted between participants. One man's shirt was even ripped open.

Click here to view several video clips from inside and outside the meeting.

10 Connects has learned that conservative radio pundit Rush Limbaugh mentioned the public meeting on his show Thursday.

According to RushLimbaugh.com, the host read a post from RedState.com on his show, saying:

"Trying to avoid middle class workers opposed to Obamacare, Congresswoman Kathy Castor (D-FL) has scheduled a last minute townhall for tonight." She wasn't going to have one. "She'll be surrounded by union goons from the [Service Employees International Union] to feed middle class voters to alligators if they dare criticize Obamacare." This is what's happening. Obama has mobilized union thugs to go out and also attend these town meetings to intimidate the genuine citizens out there who are upset about this.

The RedState.com post goes on to encourage Tampa residents to attend the meeting and gives information on location and time.

Were you at the meeting? What do you think about the protests? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.