‘Insurrection’: Tennessee House Boots Out Democrats Who Participated in Capitol Protest

Last week, the Tennessee House of Representatives voted to expel two Democratic members who joined protesters and caused chaos in the chamber. Democratic representatives Justin Jones and Justin Pearson reportedly led protesters into the House, screaming chants, and blocking a doorway to prevent lawmakers from leaving. Videos taken at the scene show protesters charging at police officers. Meanwhile, Gloria Johnson, the third member who participated in the protest, survived the expulsion attempt.

Tennessee House speaker, Cameron Sexton (R.), who led the effort to discipline the three Democrats, compared their disruption efforts in the chamber to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, where protesters aimed to disrupt legislative business by entering the U.S. House Chamber.

The three representatives, along with the protesters, were advocating for gun control following the March 27 school shooting in Nashville. Nevertheless, the expulsions were executed on Thursday, leading to demonstrations by protesters calling for justice for the Democrats.