


Tennessee’s Republican-controlled House of Representatives was expected to vote Thursday to expel three Democratic lawmakers for leading gun control protests that spilled into the state Capitol building last week.
State Reps. Gloria Johnson (Knoxville), Justin Jones (Nashville) and Justin Pearson (Memphis) may be ousted for inciting protesters to disrupt deliberations on the House floor days after three adults and three children were gunned down at The Covenant School in Nashville March 27.
Advertisement
Three days after the bloodshed, Johnson, Jones and Pearson held hands as they entered the House chamber before taking over the well, eventually leading protesters packed into the upper gallery in chants.
“No action, no peace,” Jones shouted through a bullhorn as he held up a sign that read “protect kids, not guns.”
Republicans say the lawmakers “did knowingly and intentionally bring disorder and dishonor to the House of Representatives through their individual and collective actions,” according to expulsion resolutions drafted against each.
Hundreds of students, parents and teachers joined the representatives as they marched into the state Capitol to demand stricter gun laws.
Advertisement
The so-called “Tennessee three” admitted they broke House rules and have since been stripped of committee assignments and lost ID access to the state Capitol.
“Yes, I can tell you we broke House decorum rules, going to the well when you’re not called on, and I understand that,” said Pearson. “But it’s not so severe it needs to have the expulsion of myself, Representative Johnson and Representative Jones. That’s an egregious use of power to silence us and to abridge our First Amendment rights.”

Advertisement

Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton drew a comparison between the protest and the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot, calling it an “insurrection.” However, there were no clashes with police, nor were there reports of injuries or property damage.
If ousted, the trio will join Democratic state Sen. Katrina Robinson, who was expelled last year after being convicted of abusing a $3,400 federal grant and using the money on wedding expenses instead of nursing school.
In 2016, the Tennessee House also voted 70-2 to expel Republican state Rep. Jeremy Durham after the Volunteer State’s attorney general revealed allegations of sexual misconduct by at least 22 former women who worked for the lawmaker.
Advertisement
The GOP has signaled no interest in taking up new gun restrictions following the protest, with exceptions for bills that would take firearms away from those deemed a risk to themselves or others. Republicans have also introduced legislation to enhance school security measures.



The Covenant shooting was carried out by 28-year-old Audrey “Aiden” Hale, who identified as transgender and was being treated for an emotional disorder.
If expelled, the three would be replaced by representatives chosen by county commissioners in their districts. Those representatives would then serve until a special election, in which the ousted lawmakers could still run.