'Get out of here, you low-life scum!': John McCain goes ballistic on anti-war protesters who called for 'war crimes' prosecution of Henry Kissinger during Senate hearing

Arizona Republican was slamming CodePink activists for condemning the former secretary of state and shaking handcuffs in his face
Another former secretary of state, George Shultz, stood and saluted Kissinger as the protesters chanted
Capitol Police tossed a few screaming peaceniks out of the Senate hearing chamber but others were allowed to stay long enough to yell a second time
The audience applauded McCain loudly after he shouted at the activists

By DAVID MARTOSKO, US POLITICAL EDITOR FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

PUBLISHED: 13:36 EST, 29 January 2015 | UPDATED: 14:08 EST, 29 January 2015

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2931868/Get-low-life-scum-J...

Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain uncorked a scathing attack on anti-war protesters who interrupted an Armed Services Committee hearing on Thursday, earning applause by barking, 'Get out of here, you low-life scum!'

Activists with the far-left pacifist group CodePink stood with banners when former secretary of state Henry Kissinger entered the room, accusing him of committing war crimes during his tenure as America's top diplomat and as the national security adviser.

They shook handcuffs in his face and chanted 'Arrest Henry Kissinger for war crimes' while McCain, who chaired the hearing about global threats to the U.S., sat dumbfounded and embarrassed.

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO

CODEPINK, AGAIN: Interruptions by the liberal group are an increasingly common sight during military-related Capitol Hill hearings, and they returned on Thursday to hassle former national security adviser and secretary of state Henry Kissinger (left), while his fellow former top diplomat George Shultz (right) watched

Sen. John McCain uncorked a tirade against CODE PINK activists who chanted 'Arrest Henry Kissinger for war crimes!'

Kissinger has long been accused by liberals of presiding over war crimes in Cambodia and Laos during the Vietnam War.

He presided over America's withdrawal from the conflict and won the Nobel peace Prize for his efforts.

McCain became visibly angry on Thursday when police weren't on the scene immediately to remove the protesters from the hearing chamber.

'Could I ask our Capitol Police to help instill order here? You know, someone find out where the Capitol Police is?' he asked from his spot on the dais.

'You know,' he told the group of pink-clad agitators, 'you’re going to have to shut up, or I’m going to have you arrested.'

One man, being escorted from the room by a uniformed cop, shouted something back at the senator.

'Get out of here, you low-life scum,' McCain replied before the audience erupted in applause.

McCain offered an apology to Kissinger for the distraction.

'I've been a member of this committee for many years, and I have never seen anything as disgraceful and outrageous and despicable as the last demonstration that just took place,' he said.

'ARREST HENRY KISSINGER FOR WAR CRIMES!': Part of the left's historical narrative casts Kissinger as a criminal for helping expand the Vietnam war to neighboring Cambodia and Laos

Capitol Police eventually removed the protesters as Shultz stood to salute his former colleague and McCain apologized for the disurbance

'From all of my colleagues ... I'd like to apologize for allowing such disgraceful behavior towards a man who served his country with the greatest distinction. I apologize profusely.'

When Kissinger began to speak, the remaining protesters erupted a second time.

His fellow former secretary of state George Schultz, who also testified, stood to salute him as more applause ensued – which drowned out the CodePink members.

'I salute Henry Kissinger for his many contributions to peace and security,' Shultz said.

McCain praised Kissinger as someone 'who served his country with the greatest distinction.'