Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price has defended the recent arrest of a journalist in West Virginia who attempted to ask him a question in the hallway of the West Virginia State Capitol. Dan Heyman of Public News Service was arrested and jailed on $5,000 bail after he repeatedly asked Price whether domestic violence would be categorized as a pre-existing condition under the new Republican healthcare plan. On Wednesday, Price said the arrest was justified.

Dr. Tom Price: “I want to commend the West Virginia Capitol police. They did what they felt was appropriate. We thank them for the work that they do. It’s important to appreciate that gentleman was not in a press conference. We were walking down a hall, and the Capitol police acted as they felt necessary. And I would refer any questions to them.”