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Rep. Pearson confronts Rep. Farmer over gun legislation

On Wednesday morning, March 26, 2025, during a House Criminal Justice Subcommittee hearing, Representative Justin Pearson confronted Representative Andrew Farmer after Farmer questioned Pearson's recent absences.
The confrontation occurred while Pearson was testifying in support of HB1390, his red flag law legislation aimed at amending Tennessee's permitless carry law, which allows people to carry handguns without permits, and addressing the increase in gun deaths in the state.
Pearson's absences were due to the recent suicide of his brother, Timphrance Pearson, which he described as a 'gun suicide' that 'shattered' his family, leading him to handle his brother's affairs and support his nephews.
Farmer stated, 'I don't think it's fair for you to come in front of this committee and lecture us on hard work and convictions, and hard work for our committee,' which reportedly 'incensed' Pearson, leading to a heated exchange and Pearson being briefly restrained.
Following the failed vote on HB1392, which was defeated 2-7, and the confrontation between Pearson and Farmer, a recess was called, highlighting the deep divisions and high tensions within the Tennessee legislature regarding gun control and personal conduct.

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WBBJ TV

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State Rep. Johnny Shaw shares his side following incident with reporter

JACKSON, Tenn. — One local lawmaker discusses the events that led to a verbal altercation between himself and a reporter. Tennessee State Representative Johnny Shaw was recorded in a video, now posted on social media by reporter Justin Kanew, making a threat towards Kanew. Shaw shares his story and has since apologized. “The stupidest thing I did, and I don’t mind telling you that was stupid on my part,” said Shaw. On Tuesday, March 18 Justin Ka…

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theGrio

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Tenn. State Rep. Justin Pearson's confrontation with Republican over gun violence gets personal: 'Learn to shut up!'

Things took a turn when Republican Rep. Andrew Farmer personally called out Pearson, who lost his brother to gun suicide in December 2024.

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The Black Wall Street Times

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'You went too far': Rep. Pearson confronts lawmaker who mocked him for grieving brother’s gun suicide

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — What began as a plea for action on gun violence ended in a deeply personal and public clash during a House Criminal Justice Subcommittee meeting on Wednesday after State Rep. Justin J. Pearson of Tennessee clashed with a Republican lawmaker over an issue that had just shattered his own family. Pearson (D-Memphis) […] The post ‘You went too far’: Rep. Pearson confronts lawmaker who mocked him for grieving brother’s gun suicide …

4 days ago

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News Channel 5

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Republican leadership could ban a Covenant mom after Rep. Pearson, Farmer incident

A Covenant mom who crossed over into the committee member area could become banned from the Tennessee capitol after she tried to drag away Rep. Justin Pearson during an outburst at Rep. Andrew Farmer.

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The Star News Network

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Tennessee State Rep. Justin Pearson Restrained on House Floor After Confrontation with Republican Lawmaker | The Star News Network

Video appeared to show State Representative Justin Pearson (D-Memphis) being physically restrained on the State House floor by staff members and colleagues after an interaction with State Representative Andrew Farmer (R-Sevierville) over the Democratic lawmaker’s gun control legislation. The incident occurred as Pearson appeared in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee to testify in support of House Bill (HB) 1390, his red flag law legislation…

4 days ago

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The Daily Memphian

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Tempers flare between Pearson, Farmer during House committee hearing

A discussion about gun laws lead to Rep. Justin J. Pearson, confronting fellow Rep. Andrew Farmer during a House subcommittee Wednesday, March 26, temporarily suspending the session.

5 days ago

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