WATCH: Tennessee Democrat Screams “Shut Up” at GOP Rep

Heated Confrontation Caught on Camera

A routine Tennessee legislative hearing erupted into chaos this week when Democratic State Rep. Justin J. Pearson lost his temper and yelled “Learn to shut up!” at Republican Rep. Andrew Farmer

Watch:

Rep. Farmer said yelling “shut up” is unacceptable behavior in a government setting, regardless of emotion.

The moment Rep. Pearson shouted “shut up” at his Republican colleague stunned the entire room.

The dramatic confrontation quickly went viral online, sparking nationwide commentary about decorum and division in politics.

Some users online called Pearson’s “shut up” moment a powerful emotional reaction, while others saw it as unprofessional.

It’s not every day that a lawmaker yells “shut up” during a formal committee hearing — but this was no ordinary day.

Gun Bill Debate Turns Personal

The clash unfolded Wednesday during a House Criminal Justice Subcommittee hearing in Nashville. Rep. Pearson, a Memphis Democrat, was there to introduce House Bill 1392, legislation aimed at reinstating gun carry permits and rolling back Tennessee’s permitless carry law

Emotions were already running high – Pearson’s advocacy against gun violence is deeply personal. Just a few months ago, in December 2024, he lost his brother to suicide by firearm, a tragedy that kept him away from the legislature for some time

During the hearing, Pearson gave an impassioned speech about his family’s pain and urged colleagues to take action on what he called an epidemic of gun violence. “I buried my brother. I planned his entire funeral…made sure he was taken care of, even in death. That’s what I’ve been doing,” Pearson said in a fiery plea, explaining his absence from Capitol Hill

⚡️JUST NOW: Rep. @Justinjpearson had some words for @RepAndrewFarmer after Farmer grossly disrespected Pearson for missing time to grieve after his brother recently took his own life with a gun. pic.twitter.com/4Te1XzAWBm
— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) March 26, 2025

He challenged fellow lawmakers to do more than offer “empty thoughts and prayers” and to work for a Tennessee “where everybody can live free from the pain of gun violence.”

Rather than rallying support, Pearson’s heartfelt testimony drew a pointed rebuke from Rep. Farmer. The Sevierville Republican, bristling at Pearson’s insinuation that not enough was being done, questioned Pearson’s commitment. “Every member in this committee’s been here this year working… but you have not,” Farmer snapped, alluding to Pearson’s recent absences

“I don’t think it’s fair for you to come in front of this committee and lecture us on hard work,” he added, implying that Pearson hadn’t earned the right to scold his colleagues. Those remarks struck a nerve.

Gun-grabbing Commie Representative @Justinjpearson just charged the Tennessee House Criminal Justice Subcommittee Committee& tried to assault @RepAndrewFarmer for opposing Pearson’s bill to repeal Permitless Carry! 🤡🤡 pic.twitter.com/QPsvq7FXUG
— the Gun Lobby (ist) 🌲 (@2aDorrBro) March 26, 2025

“Learn to Shut Up!” – Decorum Shattered

Pearson immediately fired back at Farmer’s critique. He denounced Farmer’s comment as “a pathetic excuse” for avoiding the real issue – the Legislature’s failure to address gun violence

The young Democrat’s voice rose with anger as he accused Farmer of dodging questions about public safety and instead launching a personal attack amid his grief. Hard work isn’t just about sitting in the Capitol, Pearson argued, but about serving communities suffering from gun violence. As tensions mounted, Pearson shouted that if Rep. Farmer “can’t take that,” then he should “learn to shut up!”

The blunt phrase echoed through the chamber, shattering the usual legislative decorum. Gasps could be heard from those in attendance, and the atmosphere instantly went from merely tense to combustible.

Farmer and his GOP colleagues reacted with outrage at Pearson’s outburst. Rep. Farmer shot back that he also has a family and responsibilities, and he criticized Pearson’s behavior as typical “yelling” from the Democratic side whenever there’s a disagreement

“It seems very common in your party — when you disagree with a comment — to resort to yelling,” Farmer remarked, defending himself and calling for civility. Despite the reprimand, Pearson was beyond hearing it – by this point, the Democrat was so incensed that the committee chairman cut off his microphone, attempting to quell the commotion

But Pearson continued yelling even after the mic went dead, his anger palpable as the room devolved into shouting and confusion.

Lawmakers Separated as Scuffle Nearly Erupts

What happened next pushed the confrontation to the brink of a physical altercation. With his microphone silenced and his gun-control bill about to be voted down, Pearson stepped away from the podium and marched directly toward Rep. Farmer’s desk

In full view of everyone, Pearson closed in on Farmer, getting right in the Republican lawmaker’s personal space. Startled gasps and shouts rang out as it looked like the two might come to blows. Pearson was visibly enraged — pointing his finger at Farmer and shouting, “Don’t you ever come after me or my family!” according to witnesses, with a profanity mixed in amid his fury

Republican members quickly moved to restrain Pearson, physically pulling him back before the confrontation could escalate further

Several lawmakers put themselves between the two men as others in the audience cried for order. For a brief moment, the Tennessee Capitol hearing room resembled a battleground of tempers rather than a place of governance.

Security and legislative aides intervened and escorted Pearson out of the room as he continued to glare at Farmer over the shoulders of those holding him back

The subcommittee chair called an immediate recess, and the tumultuous hearing was paused so cooler heads could prevail

On video, the near-brawl is jaw-dropping: a state representative in a dashiki-style jacket being pulled away while a Republican lawmaker he once sparred with in an expulsion fight stands his ground. It’s the kind of dramatic political moment rarely seen in statehouse proceedings — and it underscores just how emotional and divisive the gun control issue has become in Tennessee.

GOP Kills Gun Bill as Political Feud Intensifies

Once order was finally restored, the Republican-led committee wasted no time in dispensing with Pearson’s bill. In a quick vote that took place after the recess, House Bill 1392 was rejected by a 7-2 margin

Pearson’s proposal to reinstate stricter handgun carry requirements was effectively dead for the session, even as the circumstances of its demise stole headlines. As he exited the confrontation, Pearson expressed dismay that he had to even justify his absence and grief to fellow legislators. “I never thought I would have to defend grieving my brother in a General Assembly subcommittee,” he later lamented, reflecting on Farmer’s harsh remarks

To Pearson and his supporters, the spectacle was a painful illustration of political insensitivity: a lawmaker mourning a family tragedy being dressed down for missing work, instead of finding support or understanding.

Rep. Farmer, on the other hand, defended his stance and blamed Pearson for the incident. In a statement afterward, Farmer accused Pearson of trying to “attack and demean his colleagues” and then attempting to confront him physically when the debate didn’t go Pearson’s way

From Farmer’s perspective, Pearson’s emotional approach crossed a line — proof, he suggested, that the Democrat was more interested in making a scene than making law. The bad blood between these two officials is nothing new. In fact, Farmer and Pearson have a history of clashes. Back in 2023, Farmer was among the Republicans who led the charge to expel Pearson from the House after Pearson and two other Democrats staged a protest for gun reform on the chamber floor

(Pearson was later reinstated by local officials amid national uproar, but the episode earned him nationwide fame and GOP ire.) That past incident set the stage for the deep distrust and resentment on display in the committee room this week. Wednesday’s blow-up has even sparked rumors in the statehouse that Republican leaders may seek new disciplinary action against Pearson for his conduct

However, some caution that expelling him a second time would only amplify his platform further.

Through it all, Pearson maintains that his passion was about saving lives from gun violence, not disrespecting the institution. He noted that during his time away from Nashville, he was doing the hard work of consoling his family, arranging counseling for his young nephews who lost their father, and meeting constituents affected by violence

“Our job is not just in this statehouse with these marble floors. Our jobs are in the streets of the communities we serve,” Pearson said, emphasizing that public service extends beyond the Capitol walls

Many of Pearson’s supporters have echoed that sentiment on social media, praising him for standing up to what they saw as Farmer’s callous comments. Critics, however, argue that no matter the provocation, shouting down a colleague with insults is inappropriate and undermines Pearson’s message.

Join the Conversation

This dramatic confrontation has Tennessee politics – and the internet – buzzing. Was Rep. Pearson’s emotional outburst justified, or did he go too far? And did Rep. Farmer cross a line by targeting a grieving lawmaker’s attendance record? We want to hear your take. Sound off in the comments below! If you found this story eye-opening, share it with your friends and family. In a time of deep political division, moments like these raise tough questions about how our representatives conduct themselves. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing feud and the fight over gun laws in Tennessee. Engage with us by sharing this article and joining the discussion – let’s make sure our elected officials know we’re all watching.