As Republicans put the finishing touches on a tax reform plan, Rep. Trey Hollingsworth canceled a town hall on the issue that was to be held Monday morning.

Democrats, who planned a protest outside the event, immediately accused him of avoiding his constituents. But Hollingsworth's office said he had to withdraw his participation amid security concerns

"Our office received information about planned violence for the Scott County Chamber event," Hollingsworth spokeswoman Katie Webster said in an e-mail. "The threat was relayed to Capitol Police, and a decision was made not to participate for the safety and security of all attendees, staff and Representative Hollingsworth."

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She said the decision was communicated to the event organizers Sunday night.

"As emotions run high, we are not able to take security threats lightly," she said.

Democrats, however, slammed Hollingsworth on social media.

"This was supposed to be a 'tax reform town hall,'" Dan Cannon, who is vying for a chance to challenge Hollingsworth in Indiana's 9th Congressional District, said on Twitter. "The idea that a multimillionaire congressman with inherited wealth would care what the working class thinks about a handout to the rich is laughable. He doesn't care. He has no incentive to care. He doesn't represent you."

Canon said later that he was unaware of Hollingsworth's explanation, but that "his track record suggests he’s not necessarily a fan of having to answer to his constituents."

Liz Watson, another Democrat seeking to challenge Hollingsworth, showed up at the town hall event with a few dozen supporters who blasted the first-term congressman.

"Representative Hollingsworth won't meet with voters to account for his vote for the terrible tax scam," she said in a statement posted on Facebook. "When you support legislation that leaves nearly 30,000 Hoosiers uninsured, make it even harder for our students to afford an education, and drives a $1.5 trillion dollar hole in the deficit — you have some explaining to do."

The town hall event was organized by the Greater Scott County Chamber of Commerce and Americans for Prosperity, a political group backed by industrialists David and Charles Koch.

Kelly Dulaney, executive director of the chamber, said attendees were notified late Sunday that the event was canceled.

"We were hoping that the chamber could provide a platform for citizens and businesses to voice their concerns or their support," she said. "(Hollingsworth) wanted to hear them, but was not given the opportunity because of the threat."

Dulaney said the chamber was not given any details about the threat. Capitol Police did not respond to inquiries from IndyStar.

Webster, Hollingsworth's spokeswoman, said his office would not release details about the threats based on the recommendation of Capitol Police.

Hollingsworth has attended events in the past despite protests. In February, he met with protesters after an event at Ivy Tech in Sellersburg, according to the News and Tribune.

Republicans are planning to vote on a measure this week that would overhaul the nation's tax system and give them a much-needed legislative victory as Congress wraps up the year.

They say the proposed changes would reduce taxes on the middle class, but Democrats say the cuts favor the wealthy and would add to the deficit.

With a thin Republican margin in the Senate, Vice President Mike Pence last week delayed a trip to the Middle East in case his tie-breaking vote was needed.

President Trump has said he wants to sign the tax bill into law by Christmas.

USA Today contributed to this story.

Call IndyStar reporter Tony Cook at (317) 444-6081. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook.