Thousands of protestors flocked the Tennessee state capitol protesting the three democratic lawmakers who faced removal after taking part in the capitol raid demanding retaliation for a gun control demonstration after murderer Audrey Hale stormed a Nashville elementary school, killing 6 people.
After a 69-26 vote, the Tennessee House expelled Rep. Justin Pearson with Rep. Justin Jones being the first to have faced expulsion. The motion to expel Rep. Gloria Johnson failed with a vote of 65-30 – just one vote away from passing expulsion. Johnson will remain in her position.
The three officials occupied the well of the House last Thursday during a raid of the capitol with protestors demanding more gun control in efforts to end gun violence.
Republican lawmakers in the House drafted three resolutions of expulsion, all in alignment stating that the lawmakers “shouted, pounded on the podium, led chants with citizens in the gallery, and generally engaged in disorderly and disruptive conduct, including refusing to leave the well, sitting on the podium, and utilizing a sign displaying a political message.” According to the Permanent Rules of the House of Representatives, this is prohibited.
In response to the expulsion, President Biden called it, “shocking, undemocratic and without precedent” in a statement. “Three kids and three officials gunned down in yet another mass shooting. And what are GOP officials focused on? Punishing lawmakers who joined thousands of peaceful protesters calling for action.”
The expelled legislator’s home county commission can appoint someone else to fill their seat until their interim expires. The members can legally run again as long as they have not been convicted of a felony.
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