The Tennessee House GOP expels two Black Democrats in retribution for a protest against gun control.

Mike Incognito 04/07/2023

CNN Reporting - Two Black Democratic members of the Tennessee House of Representatives were expelled, while a third was spared, in an ouster by Republican lawmakers that the trio described as repressive, vengeful, and racially motivated.

Protesters gathered at the state Capitol on Thursday to condemn the expulsions of Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, as well as to lobby for gun-control legislation, just over a week after a horrific shooting at a Nashville high school.

Jones lashed out at House Republicans during an interview with CNN's Don Lemon on "CNN This Morning." “What happened yesterday was a very sad day for democracy,” Jones said. “The nation was able to see we don’t have democracy in Tennessee.”

Jones affirmed that he would serve if reappointed to the seat by the Nashville Metro Council. "I don't have any regrets." I will continue to stand up for my constituents.”

Jones and Pearson have urged protesters to return to the Capitol when the House returns to session on Monday, citing their expulsion as a result of their leadership of gun control demonstrations on the chamber floor last week.

Rep. Gloria Johnson, who was white and was not removed, called the votes to remove Jones and Pearson, both Black and racist. When asked why she believes she was not expelled by CNN's Alisyn Camerota, Johnson stated the explanation is "pretty clear."

"I'm a 60-year-old White woman and they're two young Black men," Johnson explained. She also stated that lawmakers questioned Pearson and Jones in a "demeaning manner" before their expulsion.

Following the three lawmakers' protests last Thursday, Republican House Speaker Cameron Sexton termed them "unacceptable" and claimed they violated "several rules of decorum and procedure on the House floor."

Democratic politicians and human liberties groups have denounced Thursday's expulsions, claiming that voters in Jones' and Pearson's districts have been disenfranchised. Others, including Jones, have expressed concern that the action will draw attention away from the true issue of gun violence.

“Rather than address the issue of banning assault weapons, my former colleagues – a Republican supermajority – are assaulting democracy,” Jones told CNN. “And that should scare all of us across the nation.”

President Joe Biden in a statement Thursday called the expulsions “shocking, undemocratic and without precedent,” and criticized Republicans for not taking greater action on gun reform.

“Rather than debating the merits of the issue, these Republican lawmakers have chosen to punish, silence, and expel duly-elected representatives of the people of Tennessee,” the President said.