John Mark Windle, a former Democratic lawmaker from Livingston, is working as lead attorney on the expulsion hearing for Johnson. Mike Stewart is expected to represent her as well. The House Clerk’s Office has filed documents asking for witnesses, including John Windle's resignation and John Pearson's arrest.
Johnson is being targeted for expulsion along with Reps. Justin Pearson and Justin Jones after they led a protest on the House floor last Thursday advocating gun control measures following the Nashville Covenant School shooting that left six people dead.
The three legislators will be given an opportunity to address their disorderly behavior allegations described in an expulsion resolution, with proceedings streamed live on the Legislature’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Veteran Memphis lawmaker Rep. Joe Towns expressed concern about protests leading to expulsions from House committees: “This sets dangerous precedence,” he said while addressing reporters at his office yesterday afternoon.
More than 250 U.S legislators have signed a letter condemning proposed expulsions of three Democratic lawmakers accused by Republican resolutions of engaging in "disorderly behavior" purposely bringing 'disorder and dishonor' within Tennessee's state legislature — which are grounds for dismissal according to chamber rules.
Tennessee Republicans face accusations of racial discrimination and undemocratic practices after proposing these controversial resolutions scheduled for vote this coming Thursday; if approved it could see representatives Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones, and Justin J Pearson expelled from office due process notwithstanding previous incidents requiring similar actions like sexual misconduct allegations against ex-Rep Jeremy Durham back in 2016 when members voted overwhelmingly (70-2) ousting him over those charges instead opting alternative disciplinary measures such censure or admonishment without removing them completely altogether despite breaking several established code conduct norms during recent mass demonstration demanding tighter gun laws enacted prevent future tragedy occurring again anytime soon especially since past school shootings occurred repeatedly throughout America recently including latest fatal incident involving six victims killed by shooter Audrey Hale inside The Covenant School located Nashville on March 27th.
Pearson and Johnson remain undeterred in their fight for constituents, vowing to continue advocating for gun control measures despite facing expulsion from the Tennessee House of Representatives.
Rep. Justin Jones called the vote to expel elected officials "a clear danger to democracy all across this nation." Republican House Speaker Cameron Sexton countered that argument, stating the three Democrats violated "several rules of decorum and procedure on the House floor" during their demonstration last week.