The White House on Tuesday accused Republicans of shrugging at repeated school shootings after Tennessee lawmakers decided to evict three Democrats from the state House after leading anti-gun protests.
The exchanges illustrate the polarized reaction after three children and three adults were murdered at Nashville’s Covenant School last week.
Protesters raided the Capitol last week demanding gun reform, including three Democratic lawmakers. On Monday, Republicans began proceedings to expel the three, accusing them of “disorderly conduct.”
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre condemned the move.
“By doing what they are doing to these three Democratic legislators, they are shrugging off yet another tragic school shooting, while our children continue to pay the price,” she said.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Tuesday accused Republicans of “shrugging” in the face of repeated school shootings after lawmakers in Tennessee moved to oust three Democrats from the State House after sparking protests against guns. led
On Monday, Representatives Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson used a megaphone to lead supporters in the public gallery in chants for gun reform as they face eviction
More than 1,000 people poured into the Tennessee statehouse on Thursday in a protest organized by mothers.
On Monday night, Republicans filed a motion to evict Representatives Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson.
That led to another confrontation when the three used a megaphone to direct supporters into the public gallery in calls for gun reform.
At the White House, Jean-Pierre said Republicans didn’t get the point.
“What we saw in Nashville, that horrific event where three children and three adults were essentially murdered at school, was heartbreaking and infuriating,” she said.
Our thoughts go out to their families. We understand it will take some time to even move on after such a tragic loss.
“As you saw and I’m sure you reported, 7,000 students peacefully marched on the Capitol to confront their legislators for failing to keep them safe in school.
And what did the Republican legislators do? Like you just said… they’re trying to evict these three Democratic legislators who joined the protests.
And so what we’re seeing from Florida to Tennessee, across the United States. are Republican officials doubling dangerous bills that make our school, places of worship and communities less safe.”
Protesters last week as they gathered at the Tennessee State Capitol Building to demand action from lawmakers on gun control following the shooting at The Covenant School
Anti-gun protesters rallied after six people were shot dead at a Nashville school
On Monday, three Republicans introduced resolutions to evict the three Democrats and successfully requested an expedited process with a vote on Thursday.
The resolutions allege that the three “knowingly and willfully brought disorder and dishonor to the House of Representatives,” according to the Tennesseean newspaper.
The result was another chaos 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.
The crowd chanted, “Fascists! Fascists!” and wagging their fingers and fists at the members. Instead, the speaker called for state troops to clear the House galleries.
Johnson later said she would consider a lawsuit if she was evicted, saying their protest was constitutionally protected.
“We’re going to push back and we’re going to fight this because it’s unprecedented and utterly ridiculous,” she told the Tennesseean.
Johnson with protesters at the state capitol building last week demanding gun reform
She accused the Republicans of double standards.
“We had a child molester over for years, they helped him get re-elected and did nothing to expel him,” she added.
“We made members pee in each other’s seats and nothing happened. But if you talk on the floor without permission, you will be expelled.”
House Speaker Cameron Sexton also announced that the three lawmakers had lost their committee duties and said more sentences could be on the way.
A few hours later, Jeremy Faison, chairman of the House Republican Caucus, referred to Jones as the “former representative” during the evening session.
Legislators leave Monday evening after protests in the House
After the votes, House Democrats said they supported the three.
“The Democratic Caucus has formally voted unanimously to oppose the baseless eviction resolutions and will vigorously oppose them should they vote in the House of Representatives,” they said in a statement.
The Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators also protested the resolutions.
This political retaliation is unconstitutional and morally bankrupt at this time.
“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.”