TN House Republicans Expel Nashville Democratic Rep. Justin Jones

By Adam Friedman, Tennessee Lookout

April 6, 2023

The Tennessee House of Representatives voted along party lines to expel Democratic Rep. Justin Jones from its body for leading a floor protest over gun violence one week ago.

The expulsion vote against Jones was 72-25. It needed 66 votes it pass.

Expulsion votes against Gloria Johnson of Knoxville and Justin Pearson of Memphis from Tennessee House are ongoing.

The trio is accused of violating the House rules of decorum when they took over the speaking podium to lead chants with a crowd protesting the lack of action by lawmakers on gun violence after six were killed — including three children — in a mass shooting at a religious school in Nashville.

Rep. Charlie Baum, R-Murfressboro, was the only Republican to vote against Jones’ expulsion.

Rep. Sam Whitson, R-Franklin, was present but did not vote on the expulsion resolution.

The expulsion hearing for Jones went on for nearly two hours.

This story is ongoing and will be updated.

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