NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A Covenant mom who crossed over into the committee member area could become banned from the Tennessee capitol after she tried to pull away State Rep. Justin Pearson (D-Memphis) during an outburst at State Rep. Andrew Farmer (R-Sevierville).
This happened on Wednesday in a contentious meeting in the House committee room in Cordell Hull during the Civil Justice Subcommittee. Two of the Memphis Democrat's bills were heard before the committee before it became personal between the two lawmakers. Both were on bills to coincide with gun reform in Tennessee.
Pearson brought the bill months after his brother died by suicide via a firearm. That was his first real day working back on the hill. The bill ultimately failed to reach the full Civil Justice Committee, but not without an outburst. Pearson said Republican lawmakers had failed to take up meaningful firearm legislation this session and those before it.
Rep. Farmer criticized Rep. Pearson for not being on the hill since his brother's death. After the bill presentation, Pearson rushed into the member area — yelling at Rep. Farmer before having to be held back by the Sergeant of Arms and House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland). "I was genuinely concerned he was going to punch Chairman Farmer."
"I hope Representative Pearson understands his behavior was absolutely unacceptable," said Lamberth on Thursday.
"My question to him would be -- are you hoping to get kicked out?" asked State Rep. Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby).
Republican House leadership did not mention any potential sanctions against Rep. Farmer, but didn't rule them out against Rep. Pearson. "We’re going to keep looking at it and review it," said House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville).
Democrats defended Rep. Pearson and placed blame on Rep. Farmer, during their news conference. "For him to immediately come at him with such a hurtful statement," said State Rep. Sam McKenzie (D-Knoxville). "I think it’s reprehensible."
"We’re proud of him for summoning the courage to come back up here," said State Rep. John Ray Clemmons (D-Nashville).
"Not allowed to come back"
Rep. Pearson may not be the only one facing sanctions. A member of the public could also be facing a punishment. In video posted on X, you can see Sarah Shoop Neumann, wearing orange with a red scarf. Neumann can be seen grabbing Rep. Pearson's shoulder to usher him away from Rep. Farmer.
Neumann is the parent of a child enrolled at the Covenant School. Even though her child wasn't present the day of the mass shooting, she has become a vocal proponent for gun control measures at the the Tennessee Capitol.
Members of the public are not allowed back in the committee seating, even if Neumann was just trying to help. "Any member of the public that is coming up on the dais is creating a bigger problem," said Lamberth on Thursday.
"Having someone from the public come up, just creates a whole another endeavor, a whole another problem. Whether it’s good or bad intentions," added Sexton.
Speaker Sexton says he has not made a final decision on the extent of her punishment, but indicated it could be severe. "Um, not allowed to come back," he said.
Neumann was not aware of any pending punishments against her, when NewsChannel 5 reached out Thursday afternoon. She promised to send us a statement once she learned more about the situation.
If and when we get that statement, we will share it here.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at emily.west@newschannel5.com.
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