Democrat Justin Jones returns to Tennessee’s House of Representatives after Republican lawmakers expelled him over gun protest
Tennessee Representative Justin Jones has returned to the state’s House after being expelled by Republican lawmakers over a gun protest.
Jones was seen pumping his fist and declaring “power to the people” as the Nashville-area council restored him to office.
Republican lawmakers ousted Jones and another young, Black legislator over their gun control protest on the House floor but spared a white representative who joined the demonstration.
They were protesting the state’s stance on guns following a Nashville school shooting that left three students and three staff members dead.
The Nashville city council voted unanimously to reinstate Jones.
County legislatures are empowered to fill local vacancies to the Tennessee statehouse until a special election can be held to fill out the remainder of the two-year term.
Jones was sworn in on the steps of the state capitol, surrounded by a crowd of his supporters.
