Bad egg returns to City Council

Robert Horton, who was removed from City Council chambers two years ago for throwing an egg at councilmembers, returned to City Hall today armed with more eggs.

The council went through discussions on a variety of issues, but they were interrupted by a gentleman who likes to be called Senator Robert Horton. While he spoke, police removed a newspaper he held in his hand that concealed an egg.

Horton then produced a second egg. But rather than throwing the egg at anyone, he simply crushed it in his hand while standing at the podium. Police officers present at the meeting led Horton away at that point.

Horton's first egg-throwing incident was one of our favorite news items of 2004. Horton let the egg fly just as his public speaking time was over:

The egg splattered on the wall behind council. Police quickly escorted Robert Horton out of council chambers.

Witnesses said Horton tossed the egg as he was told that his time had expired. He then told council, "Y'all have a good day" and an expletive.

News2Houston asked Horton why he threw the egg.

"Because that's just what's going to happen to earth," he said.

Councilwoman Carol Alvarado freaked out when the egg zoomed over her head (Horton apparently doesn't have the best aim), but no one was hurt. Still, as KPRC went on to solemnly note: "The incident raised questions about city hall security. But metal detectors would not detect many objects — like bricks, rocks or eggs." Indeed, a metal detector wouldn't be able to screen for eggs — but an egg detector would!

Back in 2004, councilmembers talked about banning Horton from Council chambers, but weren't sure whether they could legally do so — if they did, wouldn't they also have to ban the other City Council groupies, too? They'd better get those egg detectors installed on the double.