Tennessee State Rep. Justin Jones to be Reinstated to Legislature After Protest Against Gun Violence

NASHVILLE, TN – Tennessee state Rep. Justin Jones (D) is set to make a quick return to the state Legislature after he and his colleague, Rep. Justin Pearson (D), were expelled from the House of Representatives on Thursday. Jones and Pearson, both Black, were removed from the House chamber following a protest against gun violence in response to a mass shooting that left three children and three adults dead at a private Christian school in Nashville on March 27.

The Nashville Metropolitan Council will hold a special meeting Monday to discuss an interim replacement for Jones’ seat. Vice Mayor Jim Shulman said he expects the council will take action to suspend the rules at the meeting to vote on a successor to fill Jones’ seat instead of holding a monthlong nomination period.

In interviews with NBC News, twenty-three members of the 40-seat Metropolitan Council confirmed that they plan to vote to reinstate Jones to the Legislature. Rep. Gloria Johnson, who is white and was not voted out, also participated in the protest inside the House chamber.

The council’s decision to reinstate Jones is a sign of support for the Black lawmaker and his cause. Jones has been vocal about his stance on gun violence and has been a strong advocate for gun control. He has also been a vocal critic of the state’s Republican-controlled Legislature and its inaction on gun control.

The council’s decision to reinstate Jones is a victory for gun control advocates in the state. It is also a sign that the council is willing to stand up for what it believes in and take action to ensure that the voices of its constituents are heard.