Georgia State Senator Arrested After Attempting to Enter House Chamber Amid Controversial Ban
State Sen. Colton Moore was arrested at Georgia’s Capitol after attempting to enter the House chamber despite being banned for criticizing late Speaker David Ralston.
Tensions escalated at the Georgia State Capitol on Thursday when State Sen. Colton Moore, a staunch supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, was pushed to the ground and arrested while attempting to enter the House chamber. Moore’s arrest comes after he was banned from the chamber following outspoken criticism of the late former House Speaker David Ralston.
Moore, a Republican lawmaker from Northwest Georgia, attempted to attend Gov. Brian Kemp’s State of the State Address but was met with resistance from security personnel. The incident occurred after Moore had been prohibited from entering the House chambers due to his vocal opposition to a resolution passed last year to name a building at the University of North Georgia after Ralston, who passed away in late 2022.
Moore had publicly denounced Ralston, calling him one of the "most corrupt Georgia leaders" in his lifetime. His remarks were met with a backlash from state lawmakers, culminating in his suspension from the Senate Caucus in 2023. Moore, who had previously called for the impeachment of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her involvement in Trump’s indictment, has long been a polarizing figure in Georgia politics.
Reactions and Ongoing Divisions
On Wednesday, Moore sent a letter to current House Speaker Jon Burns, arguing that the ban was unconstitutional and insisting that he had the right to attend the joint session. "I will NEVER back down," Moore stated on social media, expressing his intention to be present for the address despite the ban.
However, when Moore attempted to enter the chamber on Thursday, he was met by security personnel who attempted to block his entry. Video footage from the scene shows a scuffle ensues, with Moore appearing to be pushed to the floor by a doorman. State troopers soon arrived, and Moore was escorted out in handcuffs.
Moore insisted that his constitutional rights were being violated. "This is a joint session of the General Assembly. Your House rules do not apply," he told the troopers, claiming that the doorman was breaking the law by preventing him from entering.
As Moore was led away, he expressed frustration, accusing state authorities of censorship. "This is what happens when authoritarians rule a state," he declared.
The arrest and ban have sparked reactions across the political spectrum. Georgia Republican Party Chairman Josh McKoon criticized the move, calling Moore’s exclusion "not only legally inappropriate but morally wrong." McKoon further emphasized the need to focus on the issues being addressed in Governor Kemp's speech rather than internal political conflicts.
Moore has been a prominent figure in Georgia’s Republican Party, particularly in his push for a special session aimed at impeaching Willis. His efforts gained significant attention and support from Trump, though they were denounced by Governor Kemp, who called Moore's actions a "grifter scam" aimed at fundraising.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions within the Georgia Republican Party, where internal divisions continue to grow. While Moore remains a vocal critic of his party's leadership, his supporters believe that his commitment to conservative values is unmatched.
As of now, the Georgia State Police, Governor Kemp’s office, and House leadership have not provided further comment on the incident.
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