Acworth, Georgia – Police detained three individuals, deploying a stun gun on two of them, during a town hall meeting led by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. The gathering, held in Acworth, Georgia, saw attendees repeatedly interrupting Greene, prompting law enforcement to intervene. One attendee, Andrew Russell Nelms, was escorted out of the venue by police after disrupting Greene’s speech, leading to the use of a stun gun, as reported by the New York Times.

Throughout the event, Greene staunchly defended former President Donald Trump, advocating for tax cuts and a reduction in the size of the federal government. Amidst questions about potential cuts to safety net programs like Medicare and Medicaid, protesters continued to disrupt the congresswoman’s address, resulting in further interventions by law enforcement.

Greene’s reaction to the protesters was firm, expressing satisfaction in their removal from the premises and emphasizing the purpose of the town hall meeting as a platform for constituents to engage with her. Reflecting on the incident, Essence Johnson, chair of the Cobb County Democratic Party, criticized the arrests of the protesters, attributing their actions to a sense of frustration and concern over perceived threats to democracy.

The presence of armed police officers at the Acworth community center underscored the tension surrounding the event, with access to the town hall tightly monitored. Attendees were required to provide proof of residence within Greene’s constituency, showcasing ID upon entry. External demonstrators further highlighted the contentious nature of the gathering.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has advised Republican members to reconsider holding in-person town halls in light of recent demonstrations and confrontations. Despite the solidly Republican makeup of Greene’s district, the specific location of the town hall represented the more liberal segment, as noted by the Journal-Constitution.

Journalists were restricted from conducting interviews with attendees at the town hall, with Greene opting to field pre-screened questions rather than engaging in spontaneous dialogue. The controlled environment of the event encapsulated the charged atmosphere surrounding Greene’s public appearances.