A town hall meeting hosted by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene in Acworth, Georgia, descended into chaos Tuesday night as repeated disruptions from protesters led to multiple arrests and the use of a Taser by police. The event, held at the Acworth Community Center, was intended to provide a forum for constituents to engage with the controversial Republican congresswoman, but instead became a flashpoint for confrontation and debate over protest and policing.
Tensions Erupt Early
The disruptions began almost immediately after Greene took the stage. Within minutes, audience members began shouting and interrupting her remarks, prompting law enforcement to intervene. At least six people were removed from the venue over the course of the evening, with three ultimately arrested. Two of those arrested were tased by police after resisting removal, according to the Acworth Police Department.
Eyewitnesses and video footage captured the dramatic moments: one protester, clad in a black hoodie, was surrounded by several officers and could be heard shouting an expletive before being tased, drawing cheers and applause from some in the crowd. Another protester in a gray hoodie was physically forced out by police, with both the protester and an officer tumbling to the ground during the struggle.
Police Response and Charges
Acworth police stated that officers were "threatened, physically resisted, and harmed" while removing protesters. Two of the arrestees face charges of obstructing a law enforcement officer and simple battery on a law enforcement officer, while a third was charged with using vulgar language. Police noted that one of those arrested was not a resident of Greeneās district.
Greeneās Reaction
Throughout the disruptions, Greene repeatedly thanked law enforcement for their actions and made clear that she would not tolerate heckling. "This is a peaceful town hall," she declared from the podium shortly after the first protester was tased. After the event, Greene told reporters she was "very thankful" for the police response, describing the protesters as "out of line" and emphasizing, "this isn't a political rally or a protest".
"I'm glad they got thrown out. That's exactly what I wanted to see happen," Greene said, underscoring her support for the forceful removal of disruptive attendees.
A Divided Audience
While the majority of attendees were Greene supporters, the event drew a significant number of demonstrators both inside and outside the venue. Protesters outside waved signs and voiced opposition to Greeneās alignment with former President Donald Trump and her support for his policies. Inside, the confrontations highlighted the deep political divisions in the district and the country at large.
Broader Context
Greene remains one of the few Republican lawmakers still holding in-person town halls, even as such events have become increasingly contentious nationwide. The Acworth town hall, held in a county that voted for Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, was seen by some as a test of Greeneās willingness to engage with critics in a challenging environment.
The eveningās events reflect the heightened tensions surrounding public political forums in the current climate, where the line between protest and disruption is hotly debated, and the role of law enforcement in maintaining order is under intense scrutiny.
Conclusion
What was intended as a peaceful dialogue between Rep. Greene and her constituents instead became a vivid illustration of the polarized atmosphere in American politics. The forceful police response, the use of a Taser on protesters, and Greeneās unapologetic stance on removing dissenters have sparked debate about free speech, protest rights, and the responsibilities of elected officials to engage with all members of their communities.