Georgia Senator Arrested After Defying Chamber Ban

ATLANTA, Ga. — Georgia state Sen. Colton Moore was arrested Thursday after attempting to enter the House chamber despite being banned, leading to a physical altercation with law enforcement and doorkeepers. The incident occurred during Gov. Brian Kemp‘s State of the State Address, which Moore sought to attend.

Moore, a vocal critic of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump, was barred from the chamber last year after publicly condemning the state Senate’s decision to name a University of North Georgia building after the late former House Speaker David Ralston. Moore accused Ralston of corruption, citing allegations that Ralston used his position to delay court cases for clients he represented as an attorney.

“This body is about to memorialize, in my opinion, one of the most corrupt Georgia leaders that we are ever going to see in my lifetime,” Moore said in 2023. On Wednesday, he wrote to House Speaker Jon Burns, arguing that the ban was unconstitutional and declaring his intent to attend the joint session.

On Thursday, Moore attempted to enter the chamber but was met with resistance. Video footage showed a doorkeeper pushing Moore to the floor, followed by state troopers surrounding and arresting him. Moore argued that he had a constitutional right to enter, telling troopers, “This is a joint session of the General Assembly. Your House rules do not apply.”

House Speaker Jon Burns called the incident “incredibly unfortunate,” stating that Moore’s actions created a dangerous situation. “The senator refused to cooperate with doorkeepers and law enforcement and chose to use force against our officers,” Burns said in a statement. “The integrity and decorum of this House are non-negotiable.”

Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones emphasized the need to focus on legislative priorities rather than personal grievances. “There is real work to be done this session, and the focus should be on delivering for the people of Georgia,” Jones said.

Moore, who was suspended from the Georgia Republican Senate Caucus in 2023 for his push to impeach Willis, accused the state of being “ruled by authoritarians” and claimed the ban was an attempt to silence him. Georgia Republican Chairman Josh McKoon expressed disappointment over Moore’s arrest, calling it inappropriate and unnecessary.

Moore’s efforts to impeach Willis, who indicted Trump on election interference charges, were dismissed by Gov. Kemp as a “grifter scam” to raise campaign funds. The case against Willis later faced scrutiny due to her hiring practices.