Video appeared to show State Representative Justin Pearson (D-Memphis) being physically restrained on the State House floor by staff members and colleagues after an interaction with State Representative Andrew Farmer (R-Sevierville) over the Democratic lawmaker’s gun control legislation.
The incident occurred as Pearson appeared in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee to testify in support of House Bill (HB) 1390, his red flag law legislation that would allow courts to issue extreme risk protection orders that allow law enforcement to confiscate firearms from citizens who are not accused of crimes, when Pearson suggested lawmakers on the committee were shirking their duty to provide for the public safety of Tennesseans.
Farmer reportedly said in response to Pearson’s remark, “I know every member in this committee has been here this year working during committee, during session, voting on bills. And I know you may have some things going on, but you have not. So, I don’t think it’s fair for you to come in front of this committee and lecture us on hard work and convictions, and hard work for our committee.”
In response, Pearson acknowledged he has been absent for most of the legislative session due to the suicide of his brother last December.
Calling his absence a “pathetic excuse” not to take action against “the gun violence epidemic,” Pearson described his brother’s death as a “gun suicide” that “shattered” his “family like gun violence has shattered so many families.”
Shortly after, Pearson appeared to lunge at Farmer, whose arm was briefly held by the Democratic lawmaker as bystanders attempted to separate the men. After they were separated, Farmer immediately walked away from Pearson, who admonished the Republican not to reference his family as he was escorted away.
Tennessee democrat Rep. Justin J. Pearson confronted republican Rep. Andrew Farmer during a House hearing where Pearson was trying to remove Constitutional carry protections for TN residents.
Farmer apparently said something about how Pearson doesn’t show up for work much… pic.twitter.com/lxmPZN1A0t
— Mrgunsngear (@Mrgunsngear) March 26, 2025
Video posted to the social media platform X by Fox 17 reporter Amanda Chin appears to show Pearson shout an expletive as he was restrained.
Things got very heated at the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee a few minutes ago. Rep. Andrew Farmer started questioning why Rep. Justin Pearson had been absent for a few months.
Rep. Pearson responded saying his brother died by suicide a few months ago and things escalated… pic.twitter.com/CjuYeRhwB5
— Amanda Chin (@amandachintv) March 26, 2025
Pearson is one of the Tennessee lawmakers, alongside State Representative Justin Jones (D-Nashville), who was ejected from the State House in 2023 over their participation in a pro-gun control riot that occurred in the wake of the Covenant School shooting in March of that year. A third lawmaker, State Representative Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville), narrowly survived the attempted ousting.
Both Pearson and Jones were quickly returned to their positions by the Memphis City Council and Nashville Metropolitan Government, respectively, and later, they won special elections to retain their seats.
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Tom Pappert is the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star, and also reports for The Pennsylvania Daily Star and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Tom on X/Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Altercation” by Mrgunsngear.
Young Mr. Pearson has no concept of communication skills. Like a lot his colleagues in the democratic party, not getting their way quickly resorts to uncontrollable yelling and name calling. I am very sorry that his brother took his own life, but mental health professionals will tell you if someone is set on ending their life there is not much a family can do other than try and get them proper mental health care. They will find a way to complete taking of their life. The gun didn’t take his life his brother took his life. In other words he would have found a way even if he didn’t have access to a gun. I hope is brother is at peace. You cannot push your false ‘no guns’ agenda that way and have any credibility.
Violent and unhinged Marxist totalitarian thugs like Pearson and Jones have no business serving in any elective office in our nation. Deport them to their utopian paradise of Cuba or Venezuela.
This is what those people do best, disrupt, disrespect, and cause problems. Democrats are like spoiled children who scream when they cannot get their way. You people are pathetic, you really need to take a long look at yourselves and figure out a new plan. Your political ideology is in the toilet….where it belongs.
This is what happens when a thug is placed in government.
Pearsons people use violence including guns more times than not. He needs to get in control of himself and his people!! He is trouble!
I know I speak for Pearson’s brother when I say that “I wish my brother quit disgracing memory and would gave helped morewhen it mattered instead of focusing on himself las usual”.