It’s often obvious when people are enjoying their jobs and when they aren’t. When Denver mayor Mike Johnston faced angry heckling during a press conference, it’s safe to say he probably wasn’t. The press conference’s sign language interpreter, however, did his job with real fervor. Even when it meant signing the heckler! The clip going viral on TikTok has drawn attention as much for the sign language interpreter’s faithful signing as the heckler’s anger.
The clip shows Denver mayor Mike Johnston standing alongside Denver Chief of Police Ron Thomas at a press conference. Both look extremely uncomfortable. The reason for their discomfort is undoubtedly the heckler who angrily confronts Mayor Johnston. The heckler yells:
“I saw you at the parade you f****** coward, Mayor. This is your fault! The crime-loving democrats are burning this city down!
As the heckler continues, his words getting harder to make out, Chief Thomas awkwardly adjusts his mic. And then, in a moment almost comical in its timing, he politely says, “I’m sorry, Clark, could you repeat the question?” Sadly, the clip doesn’t reveal what the original question was, but regardless, the heckler clearly had Chief Thomas rattled.
As one commenter pointed out, “You can hear the anguish in his voice… calling him out.” This wasn’t a heckler looking for attention, just being a pain to amuse themselves or get their five minutes of fame. You can tell by the ferocity of the verbal attack that this guy is deadly serious about his complaints.
As if picking up on the gravity of the verbal barrage, what’s most notable is that the sign language interpreter for the press conference just keeps signing. Incredibly, he actually signs the heckler’s tirade. What’s more, he does so with real gusto, conveying the heckler’s anger perfectly. As one commenter put it, the signer does his job “and with some real enthusiasm too.”
Although we can’t say for sure, it’s almost as if the sign language interpreter thinks it’s important the heckler’s angry words are relayed. “I have a feeling the interpreter has been waiting for this moment,” one TikToker quips. I must admit, it certainly seems that way. And no matter which side of the political spectrum you’re on, it’s hard to deny that emotions are high at the moment. When even the sign language interpreter wants everyone to know you’re being heckled, you know you’re having a bad day.
