Tensions flared at Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Cobb County town hall when multiple attendees were removed by police, with two being tased during confrontations.
🚨 Why It Matters: Local residents attending a congressional town hall witnessed law enforcement interventions that raise questions about public discourse, security at political events in our community, police actions, and the first amendment.
👮 What Happened: Police tased two individuals for allegedly “obstructing law enforcement” during the Acworth Community Center event. Three people were arrested, while six others were escorted out without incident.
🔍 Between the Lines: Acworth officials claim they discovered concerning online posts before the event.
⏪ Catch Up Quick: The disruptions began almost immediately after Greene started her presentation. Video shows police removing one person while the crowd applauded and Greene thanked officers.
🔄 The Bigger Context: Greene’s office pre-screened all attendees to verify they lived in her district. Multiple law enforcement agencies coordinated security for the event after analysts flagged potential disruption threats online.
During one confrontation, Greene told the audience, “This is a peaceful town hall. This should not have to happen.”
📜 The First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
What Does it Mean: The First Amendment protects five big freedoms that everyone in the United States has.
These are the five freedoms:
- Freedom of Religion — You can believe in any religion you want, or not believe in any religion at all. The government can’t force you to believe something or punish you for your beliefs.
- Freedom of Speech — You can say what you think and share your ideas, even if others don’t agree with you.
- Freedom of the Press — Newspapers, TV, websites, and reporters can share news and opinions without the government telling them what to say.
- Freedom to Assemble — You can gather in groups to protest, march, or meet peacefully to talk about things you care about.
- Freedom to Petition the Government — You can ask the government and government representatives to fix problems or make changes by writing letters, starting petitions, or speaking out in public.
In short, the First Amendment makes sure you can have your own thoughts, share your ideas, and stand up for what you believe — as long as you do it peacefully.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
