Georgia Senator Arrested After Defying Ban on House Chamber Entry

ATLANTA, Ga. — State Sen. Colton Moore, a Republican from Trenton, was arrested Thursday after refusing to comply with a ban on entering the Georgia House chamber, imposed last year by House Speaker Jon Burns. The incident unfolded as Moore attempted to attend the Governor’s State of the State address, sparking a physical altercation with staff and Georgia State Patrol officers.

Moore, who represents Georgia’s 53rd District, was barred from the House chamber in 2024 following controversial comments about former Speaker David Ralston. Despite the ban, Moore arrived at the Capitol on Thursday, leading to a tense confrontation. “This is a silly mess,” Moore said as staffers blocked his entry. “I represent 200,000 people in Northwest Georgia who duly elected me to be here today, and you’re hindering that.”

The altercation lasted several minutes before officers handcuffed Moore and escorted him to a police car bound for Fulton County Jail. House Speaker Jon Burns stated that Moore’s ban would remain in effect unless he apologized for his previous remarks. “Speaker Jon Burns is attempting to arrest and block me from representing the 53rd District at tomorrow’s State of the State joint session,” Moore said in a statement. “This corrupt move is an attempt to silence your voice and mine.”

The incident has reignited debates over legislative decorum and the limits of political dissent in Georgia’s state government. Moore, a far-right lawmaker, has been a vocal critic of the Republican leadership, often clashing with party officials over policy and procedural matters.

The Governor’s State of the State address proceeded as scheduled, with lawmakers from both chambers in attendance. Moore’s arrest marks the latest chapter in a series of contentious interactions between the senator and House leadership, raising questions about the future of his political career and the broader implications for legislative transparency and accountability.