Lincoln was nearing the conclusion of his speech at the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery when the interruption occurred: "We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom . . . ."
Just then, a man dressed as a Confederate Infantryman stood up near the back of the crowd and started shouting: "Black lives don't matter!"
Police quickly surrounded the man, and the Great Emancipator looked up from his prepared text and snarled: "Get him the hell out of here!" The crowd applauded.
"In the old days, a guy like that would have been carried out on a stretcher," Lincoln said. "I'd like to punch him in the face."
The crowd cheered Lincoln's comments while police escorted the man away from the assembly.
Lincoln disgustedly raised his hands and addressed the crowd candidly. "We're not allowed to push back anymore, do you know that? Seriously, we're not allowed. Well, we're pushing back at the Gettysburg National Cemetery, I can assure you!"
Lincoln continued: "If you see somebody getting ready to throw a tomato, knock the crap out of them, would you? Seriously, OK? I promise you, I will pay for the legal fees. I promise. I promise."
The crowd rose to its feet and started chanting, "Lincoln '64! Lincoln '64!"
When the applause died down, Lincoln finished reading his speech, which drew only tepid applause.
