Heavy security was present at the House of Representatives in Tennessee as they prepare to vote on a resolution filed by Republican leadership to expel three Democratic leaders for ‘disorderly behavior.’
The three Democratic lawmakers in Tennessee face the rare expulsion vote for participating in gun control protests after the deadly Nashville school shooting.
Tennessee Republicans accused the protestors and the Democratic House members of disruption when they interrupted House proceedings March 30 to join hundreds of protestors who marched to the State Capitol last week calling for stricter gun laws.
Six people, including three nine-year-old children, were killed when Nashville shooter Audrey Hale opened fire at The Covenant School March 27.
Heavy security was present at the House of Representatives in Tennessee as they prepare to vote on a resolution filed by Republican leadership to expel three Democratic leaders for ‘disorderly behavior’
Democratic members – Reps. Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones, and Justin Pearson – who represent about 20,000 constituents, used a bullhorn to lead supporters in the public gallery in chants for gun reform.
It illustrated the upheaval in Nashville after a shooter killed three children and three members of staff last week, triggering mass protests.
Jones and Johnson were stripped of their committee assignments in the aftermath by Republican leadership, Pearson however did not serve on a committee.
Expulsion votes are rare and in Tennessee, the House of Representatives has only voted to expel a member twice since the Civil War.
One was for a sitting lawmaker who was convicted of soliciting a bribe, and another for a majority whip who was facing allegations of sexual misconduct.
The resolution to expel the lawmakers says that they brought: ‘disorder and dishonor to the House of Representatives through their individual and collective actions.’
Two-thirds of the House must vote in favor of the expulsion in order for it to pass.
Hundreds of people invaded the Capitol last week demanding that the Republican-led Statehouse pass gun control measures in the wake of the Nashville massacre of six people at the hands of gunman Hale, 28.
Tennessee State Troopers stand guard at the outside the House chamber
Rep. Justin Jones speaks at the statehouse, as Republicans who control the Tennessee House of Representatives prepare to vote on whether to expel him and two others
Rep. Justin Pearson gestures while entering the statehouse
A demonstrator holds a placard while protesters gather ahead of the Republican vote to expel three Democratic members
Protesters gathered calling for the ban of ‘assault weapons’ as the House of Reps. prepared to vote
House leadership later described it as an ‘insurrection,’ aping language used around the attack on the U.S. Capitol by Donald Trump’s supporters in January, 2021.
On Monday, three Republicans filed resolutions that the three Democrats be expelled and they successfully asked for an expedited process with a vote Thursday.
The resolutions claim the three ‘did knowingly and intentionally bring disorder and dishonor to the House of Representatives,’ according to the Tennesseean newspaper.
The result was fresh chaos on Monday when the first resolution, targeting Pearson, was introduced.
Protesters shouted from the galleries and Pearson raised his fist in salute, while other Democrats raised their hands to object.
Members of the public chanted: ‘Fascists! Fascists!’ and wagged their fingers and fists at members. Instead, the speaker called for state troopers to clear the House galleries.
On Monday, Reps. Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones, and Justin Pearson used a bullhorn to lead supporters in the public gallery in chants for gun reform as they face expulsion
Johnson with protesters inside the state Capitol building last week demanding gun reform
Protestors last week as they gathered at the Tennessee State Capitol Building to demand action from lawmakers on gun control after The Covenant School shooting
Johnson later said she would consider a lawsuit if expelled, saying their protest was constitutionally protected.
‘We’re going to push back, and we’re gonna fight this because it’s unprecedented and utterly ridiculous,’ she told the Tennessean.
She accused Republicans of double standards.
‘We had a child molester on the floor for years, they helped him get reelected and did nothing to expel him,’ she added.
‘We’ve had members pee in each other’s chairs and nothing happened. But talk on the floor without permission, and you’ll get expelled.’
House Speaker Cameron Sexton also announced that the three lawmakers had been stripped of their committee assignments and said more punishments could be on the way.
‘A few hours later, House Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison referred to Jones as the ‘former representative’ during the evening session.
After the votes, House Democrats said they stood behind the three.
Lawmakers leaving on Monday evening after protests in the chamber
‘The Democratic Caucus has unanimously, formally voted to oppose the baseless resolutions for expulsion and will zealously oppose them should they come up for a vote on the House floor,’ they said in a statement.
The Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators also protested the resolutions.
‘This political retribution is unconstitutional and, in this moment, morally bankrupt,’ it said.
‘The people who elected us are calling for meaningful action to end gun violence and the people have a right to be heard through their duly elected representatives.’
