Tuesday evening turned chaotic at a town hall hosted by US Representative Marjorie Taylor Green, when three people were arrested and two tasered by police.
The event, held at the Acworth Community Centre, around 30 minutes from Atlanta, was disrupted by repeated outbursts from protesters, prompting heavy police involvement and use of force inside the venue.
Among those removed was Andrew Russell Nelms, who reportedly began booing as soon as Greene started speaking. Officers dragged him out and used a stun gun during the action, according to The New York Times.
Greene, who has been a supporter of Donald Trump, used the hour-long event to promote the US president’s plans to cut taxes and shrink the federal government. She entertained pre-screened questions, while avoiding live interactions, on whether safety net programmes like Medicare and Medicaid might be affected under Trump’s leadership, The Guardian reported.
The congresswoman remained defiant as police escorted demonstrators out, including one who shouted, “How about the KKK?” in response to her comments on cracking down on undocumented immigrants.
“Bye!” she said repeatedly, watching the disruption. After the meeting, Greene said, “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. I held a town hall tonight. You know who was out of line? The protesters,” she said, quoted by the Atlanta Journal.
Security was remarkably tight, with armed police on site and a strict entry process that required attendees to present ID and prove they lived in Greene’s district. Dozens of demonstrators gathered outside, unable to get in.
Reporters were also barred from interviewing participants inside.
Essence Johnson, chair of the Cobb county Democratic Party, criticised the arrests, saying, “People are passionate now. They’re upset. They’re frustrated. They believe democracy is being taken away from them. They’re at their wits’ end.”
House speaker Mike Johnson has reportedly urged GOP members to limit town halls following similar tensions elsewhere.
The event, held at the Acworth Community Centre, around 30 minutes from Atlanta, was disrupted by repeated outbursts from protesters, prompting heavy police involvement and use of force inside the venue.
Among those removed was Andrew Russell Nelms, who reportedly began booing as soon as Greene started speaking. Officers dragged him out and used a stun gun during the action, according to The New York Times.
Greene, who has been a supporter of Donald Trump, used the hour-long event to promote the US president’s plans to cut taxes and shrink the federal government. She entertained pre-screened questions, while avoiding live interactions, on whether safety net programmes like Medicare and Medicaid might be affected under Trump’s leadership, The Guardian reported.
The congresswoman remained defiant as police escorted demonstrators out, including one who shouted, “How about the KKK?” in response to her comments on cracking down on undocumented immigrants.
“Bye!” she said repeatedly, watching the disruption. After the meeting, Greene said, “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. I held a town hall tonight. You know who was out of line? The protesters,” she said, quoted by the Atlanta Journal.
Security was remarkably tight, with armed police on site and a strict entry process that required attendees to present ID and prove they lived in Greene’s district. Dozens of demonstrators gathered outside, unable to get in.
Reporters were also barred from interviewing participants inside.
Essence Johnson, chair of the Cobb county Democratic Party, criticised the arrests, saying, “People are passionate now. They’re upset. They’re frustrated. They believe democracy is being taken away from them. They’re at their wits’ end.”
House speaker Mike Johnson has reportedly urged GOP members to limit town halls following similar tensions elsewhere.
You may also like
Fight against gangsters achieved breakthrough with Happy Passia's arrest: Punjab AAP chief
'Rights granted to those who align with power': Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil slams Trump-era deportation
VHP's Alok Kumar criticises Mamata's allegations against the BSF, calls them "irresponsible" and "false"
Andhra liquor scam: Vijayasai Reddy appears before SIT
"Defence exports will increase to Rs 50,000 crore by 2029-30": Rajnath Singh
