MEMPHIS, Tenn. — April 6 marks one year since a historical vote in the Tennessee House of Representatives expelled three lawmakers.
Representative Justin J. Pearson marked the anniversary with his district at Alonzo Weaver Park as he continues to push for stricter gun legislation.
“We have to do something intentional and meaningful to deal with the epidemic of gun violence,” Pearson said.
Representative Pearson has been fighting for stricter gun laws for years. His fight for legislation to change gained even more attention in April of 2023. That’s when he and two other lawmakers were expelled for being disruptive after leading a gun control protest in the house chambers.
“Too many children are getting killed, so they really need to restrict that gun law. That open carry, anybody can get a gun, no permit, that’s not going to work,” Carolyn Jenkins, a supporter of Pearson, said.
However, Republican lawmakers have continued to push for more guns in the year since Pearson’s expulsion. Republican State Senator Paul Bailey is at the front of a push to arm teachers in school.
“Anyone that’s in opposition, I think they have to make sure they fully understand the legislation,” Bailey said. “The process to be qualified to be a person faculty member or staff member within a school has to go through a very rigorous process from a psychological evaluation to having 40 hours of training initially as well as 40 hours of continuous training.”
Representative Pearson has a different set of legislation he wants passed.
“We’re going to continue to push gun violence legislation,” Pearson said. “We’re going to continue to fight for gun safety.”
The celebration ended with a promise from Representative Pearson to keep fighting for the gun legislation his constituents want. It also ended with a promise from his supporters to show up at every election.