Police subdue suspect in a chaotic scene at a GOP town hall
The Left are getting bold. Now they’re coming after Republican politicians.
And police were forced to subdue a suspect in a chaotic scene at a GOP town hall.
Disruptions Mar Greene’s Town Hall
A town hall hosted by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) at the Acworth Community Center, roughly 30 miles from Atlanta, descended into chaos on Tuesday as protesters interrupted the event.
Acworth police, anticipating potential disruptions based on prior intelligence, reported that several audience members became disruptive almost immediately after Greene began speaking, posing an “imminent public safety threat.”
Three individuals were arrested, with two requiring tasers to be subdued. Andrew Russell Nelms, 40, of Atlanta, and Johnny Keith Williams, 45, of Dallas, faced charges of simple battery on a law enforcement officer and obstruction, while Kiyana Davis, 28, of Dallas, was charged with violating a city ordinance for vulgar language.
“While attempting to remove the subjects from the event, officers were threatened, physically resisted, and harmed in the process,” the Acworth Police Department stated, noting that one arrestee’s identification showed they lived outside Greene’s 14th Congressional District.
Police Response and Greene’s Reaction
The Acworth Police Department, supported by Cobb County Police, Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, Kennesaw Police, and Georgia State Patrol, acted swiftly to maintain order. One protester, later identified as Nelms, appeared to shove an officer, prompting two officers to deploy Tasers.
“I can’t breathe!” Nelms shouted as he was restrained, according to video footage. Seconds later, Greene addressed the crowd, saying, “This is a peaceful town hall, ladies and gentlemen. This should not have to happen.”
Greene remained resolute, later telling reporters, “I’m glad they got thrown out. That’s exactly what I wanted to see happen. This isn’t a political rally or a protest.”
She emphasized that the majority of attendees supported the removals, noting, “We also have to recognize that the majority in the room were standing and cheering when those people were thrown out, and again, it was the protesters who were out of line.”
The police echoed this sentiment, expressing disappointment that “a very small number of people actively worked to create a temporary disruption to what was otherwise a completely peaceful event.”
Broader Context of GOP Town Hall Tensions
The event, attended by about 150 pre-screened constituents, reflects growing challenges for Republican lawmakers hosting in-person town halls. House GOP leaders have advised members to opt for virtual events due to recent disruptions, often linked to backlash against Trump administration policies and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
Greene, defying this guidance, faced tough questions on Musk’s cost-cutting measures, Trump’s tariffs, and potential cuts to Social Security and Medicaid, with one constituent’s query about “reining in” Trump dismissed by Greene as “completely brainwashed.”
Outside, dozens protested peacefully, including Shawn Harris, Greene’s 2024 Democratic opponent, who garnered 35.65% of the vote. “Marjorie Taylor Greene does absolutely nothing for Northwest Georgia. … This is what democracy looks like,” Harris told the MDJ. Inside, disruptions continued, with one protester chanting “Free Kilmar” in reference to a deported MS-13 gang member, a claim Greene later called misguided on X, stating, “Democrat Americans like this man are lied to.”
Despite the unrest, Greene praised the police, posting on X, “For anyone questioning or criticizing the police at my townhall last night, the GREAT police officers conducted themselves in textbook fashion and protected every single person there by keeping the peace!!!!!”
