ACWORTH, GEORGIA – Police intervened during a town hall meeting hosted by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene on Tuesday, leading to the arrest of three attendees. The event, held in Acworth, a city located approximately 30 minutes outside of Atlanta, was marred by interruptions from protesters who voiced their dissent. One man, Andrew Russell Nelms, was removed from the room by police officers who resorted to using a stun gun on him.
Greene, a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump, faced backlash from protesters who challenged her defense of Trump’s policies and questioned her stance on issues such as immigration and social welfare programs. Despite the disruptions, Greene remained adamant in her support of Trump’s agenda, emphasizing his proposed tax cuts and plans to reduce the size of the federal government.
As tensions escalated, police were forced to remove multiple protesters from the town hall, with one individual heckling Greene about the Ku Klux Klan. Despite the confrontations, Greene maintained her composure and later expressed satisfaction at the removal of the disruptive attendees. However, critics, including Essence Johnson of the Cobb County Democratic party, criticized the arrests as unjust, highlighting the growing discontent and frustration among constituents.
The town hall event, held at the Acworth Community Center, was tightly secured, with attendees required to provide proof of residency in Greene’s district and show identification upon entry. The presence of armed police underscored the heightened tensions surrounding the event, where protesters gathered outside to voice their opposition. The incident has fueled calls for Republican members, such as Greene, to reconsider holding public town halls in light of growing dissent and confrontations.
Reporters were denied access to interview attendees at the town hall, as Greene opted to read pre-screened questions instead of engaging in live Q&A. The controlled environment of the event raised concerns about transparency and accountability, as critics questioned Greene’s willingness to address dissenting voices. The clash between protesters and supporters at the town hall reflects the deepening political divide within Greene’s district and the challenges faced by elected officials in engaging with constituents.