A Wild Two Weeks In Tennessee

By John Partipilo, Tennessee Lookout

April 14, 2023

Days after Democratic Reps. Justin Jones of Nashville and Justin Pearson of Memphis were expelled from the House of Representatives for leading a protest for safe gun laws, both men were reinstated to their seats: Jones was reappointed by the Metro Nashville Council on Monday, walking from the Historic Nashville Courthouse to the Tennessee Capitol, where he was sworn in for the second time since January.

Similarly, Pearson won reappointment from the Shelby County Commission on Wednesday, although four Republican members failed to attend the meeting. Pearson was sworn in on Thursday, accompanied by his parents and supporters, and returned to the House.

The reinstatements capped a wild two weeks in the Legislature that began after six people, including three children, were killed by a shooter on March 27 at Covenant School in Nashville. Crowds of protesters, many students, have descended on the Capitol and have packed the House chambers to advocate for gun safety.

Photojournalist John Partipilo has documented the events, including both reinstatements. Click here to view the photos.

Now more than ever, tough and fair journalism is important. The Tennessee Lookout is your watchdog, telling the stories of politics and policy that affect the people of the Volunteer State.