# U.S. Rep. Andy Harris refuses student reporter apology

> U.S. Rep. Andy Harris refuses student reporter apology after debate clash.
- Title: U.S. Rep. Andy Harris refuses student reporter apology
- Summary: U.S. Rep. Andy Harris refuses student reporter apology after debate clash. U.S. Rep. Andy Harris declined to apologize to student reporter Cat Murphy after…
- Keywords: andy harris, cat murphy, umaryland, capital news service, fox45, maryland wiretap law, news, local, Rep, Andy, Harris, refuses
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/andy-harris-cat-murphy-apology-GXZTSS3IIZEN3NGRNTEIQYU33U
- Author: Brenda Wintrode
- Published: 2026-10-16T01:05:39.452+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: andy harris, cat murphy, umaryland, capital news service, fox45, maryland wiretap law, news, local
## U.S. Rep. Andy Harris
U.S. Rep. Andy Harris declined to apologize for his confrontation with a student journalist following a debate.
## Student reporter Cat Murphy
Cat Murphy, a University of Maryland graduate student and Capital News Service reporter, recorded Harris during his debate.
## Confrontation details
Harris threatened to have Murphy prosecuted for violating Maryland’s wiretap law after she refused to stop recording him.
## Harris’ justification
Harris claimed Murphy criticized his news conference and falsely accused him of wiretap law violations during the debate.
## Harris’ response
Harris said he would not apologize because Murphy did not ask questions and criticized his news conference.
## Harris’ legal claim
Harris incorrectly stated Maryland’s wiretap law requires consent for recording public conversations, not private ones.
## Key takeaway

U.S. Rep. Andy Harris declined to apologize to student reporter Cat Murphy after threatening prosecution for recording his debate.