Politics

WATCH: Democrat Politician Melts Down, Lunges At Republican In Stunning Clip

Published

4 days ago

March 27, 2025

Tensions boiled over in the Tennessee House of Representatives this week after Democratic State Rep. Justin J. Pearson launched into an emotional tirade before lunging toward a Republican colleague during a debate on gun control legislation.

The stunning outburst unfolded during a committee hearing on House Bill 1392, as lawmakers clashed over how to address gun violence. Pearson, whose brother reportedly died by suicide involving a firearm in December, accused his Republican counterparts of inaction on the issue while simultaneously lashing out at them for passing legislation he described as harmful to marginalized communities.

“I buried my brother,” Pearson declared in a fiery speech. “I planned his entire funeral… made sure he was taken care of, even in death. That’s what I’ve been doing.”

As he spoke, Pearson began to escalate, blaming Republicans for focusing on bills “hurting transgender children” and the poor, rather than addressing what he called a gun violence “epidemic.” His comments soon devolved into a shouting match with Republican State Rep. Andrew Farmer, who pushed back on Pearson’s characterization of the committee’s work ethic.

WATCH:

“I know every member in this committee’s been here this year working,” Farmer said. “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.”

Pearson exploded in response, calling Farmer’s remarks “a pathetic excuse” and accused the chairman of personally attacking him instead of answering questions on gun policy. At one point, Pearson became so animated that he appeared to lunge toward Farmer, prompting gasps in the chamber and a call for order.

“If you can’t handle that, learn to shut up!” Pearson shouted, breaking decorum as other lawmakers tried to calm the situation. “Hard work isn’t just sitting here and passing legislation—it’s being in the community!”

The exchange drew immediate condemnation from Republicans, with Farmer responding: “It seems that it’s very common in your party—when you disagree with a comment—to resort to yelling.”

Pearson eventually got in the face of Farmer, to which he had to be removed.

As tempers flared, the committee attempted to regain order and proceed with a vote on the bill. Lawmakers eventually moved forward, but the confrontation left many in the room stunned.

Pearson, a progressive lawmaker from Memphis, gained national attention in 2023 when he was briefly expelled from the state legislature for participating in an anti-gun protest on the House floor, only to be quickly reinstated amid media fanfare.