NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — During a presentation over a bill, two lawmakers faced off, which dissolved into personal tensions between the Democrat and the Republican and ultimately an attempted physical fight.
HB1392 was up before the Civil Justice Subcommittee on Wednesday morning when Rep. Justin Pearson, D-Memphis, brought forth legislation to reinstate gun carry permits. Tennessee is currently a permitless carry state.
Pearson brought the bill months after his brother died by suicide. This was his first day back on the hill since his brother's death. The bill ultimately failed to reach the full Civil Justice Committee, but not without an outburst. Pearson said Republican lawmakers had once again failed to take up meaningful gun reform this session.
"I know what you're doing and why. But at the end of the day, we have been up here working," Rep. Andrew Farmer, R-Sevierville, said. "We've taken the tough questions and votes. I don't think it's fair of you to lecture this committee on hard work. We've been here doing the hard work."
Pearson said that was a personal jab gone too far. Pearson was a member of the Tennessee Three, one of two previously expelled from the legislature for entering the well of the House floor and chanting for gun rights reform in the weeks following The Covenant School shooting. This session, Pearson also brought forth an extreme order of protection bill in HB1391. ERPO laws — or red flag laws — were also proposed by Gov. Bill Lee following the Covenant School shooting nearly two years ago.
"Thank you for your comments. They incense me. They make me very, very angry," Pearson said. "Not just because of the lack of regard, but because of the disrespect, but because of the same denigrating tone that you used on the statehouse floor when the vote to expel me happened. It's beneath a person who is supposed to represent in the Tennessee House of Representatives. It is a pathetic excuse for you to not answer why we are not doing anything for the gun violence epidemic, than to personally attack me."
Pearson went on to explain his family's situation and why he had not been present for committee and House votes since his brother's death in December.
"One of the loves of my life passed away from gun suicide on Dec. 1, 2024," Pearson said. "Since then, it's shattered my family, like so many families have been shattered by gun violence — my nephew's life, my mother, my father, my other brothers. I buried my brother. I planned for his entire funeral. I made sure he was taken care of even in death. That is what I have been doing."
Committee Chair Clay Doggett tried to calm tensions, telling Rep. Pearson he would have been taking care of his family as well. Rep. Farmer said all lawmakers have families to take care of in their lives.
After his bill was voted down along party lines, Pearson tried to physically confront Rep. Farmer. Farmer remained in his seat, looking ahead, while the Tennessee Sergeant of Arms, Rep. William Lamberth and Rep. Jason Powell tried to hold Pearson back.
Farmer then got up and left the room through a back door.
According to House Speaker Cameron Sexton's office (R-Crossville), the speaker is "reviewing the situation."
They have history
This isn't the first time Rep. Pearson and Rep. Farmer have verbally clashed. Back in 2023, when Rep. Pearson was up for expulsion after leading a protest on the Tennessee House floor following the Covenant shooting, Rep. Farmer spoke in favor of Pearson's expulsion. Farmer began by asking Pearson if he knew why he was being tried for expulsion. Pearson replied, saying he was exercising his First Amendment rights.
Farmer responded saying, "No, you’re wrong. You’re in the well today because you broke rules of decorum, wouldn’t you agree?" asked Rep. Farmer.
"You have decided that is not right to have debate, it is not right to listen to the voices of the minority," replied Rep. Pearson.
Rep. Pearson's statement
Rep. Justin Pearson posted this statement on his Instagram story. "Out of all the things imaginable, I never thought I would have to defend grieving my brother in a General Assembly subcommittee. It's sad how low some people are willing to go for sound bite. Farmer, I would never treat another person the way you treated me. No matter how personal it gets on the floor, family and loved ones, especially those who have passed away, are off limits," Pearson wrote.
Rep. Farmer's statement
Rep. Andrew Farmer released a statement through a House Republican Caucus spokesperson. "There is not a single member of our body who doesn’t have tremendous sympathy for Rep. Pearson’s loss. Every one of us has struggled with personal tragedy at some point and we have all offered grace and compassion while he took these last few months off to grieve. Unfortunately, on his first day back, Rep. Pearson took the first available opportunity to attack and demean his colleagues and then attempted to confront me physically. I will continue to pray for him, and I hope he finds peace and healing," wrote Farmer.
House Democratic response
“Representative Pearson has been dealing with an incredibly tragic situation over the past several months and appropriately prioritizing his family while working in his community. Every member of the House Democratic Caucus stands with Rep. Pearson during this difficult time and fully supports his efforts to address the gun violence epidemic that has personally touched his life and too many others."
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