Chuck Schumer’s Embrace of Mobs Is a Menace to Constitutional Democracy

Among all the dishonest and irresponsible responses to the controversy over the expulsion of two Democrats from the Tennessee state legislature, the worst has to be a letter sent on Wednesday to Attorney General Merrick Garland by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and four other Senate Democrats (Raphael Warnock, Chris Murphy, Brian Schatz, and Alex Padilla). The letter openly endorses the use of mob tactics to interrupt the work of legislatures — the very thing for which Garland is currently prosecuting many of the people who interrupted the joint session of Congress on January 6, 2021.

State representatives Justin Jones of Nashville and Justin Pearson of Memphis led a mob of demonstrators onto the floor of the state house. This not only disrupted the elected state legislature’s ability to carry out the people’s business; Jones shouted at his colleagues through a bullhorn. He and Pearson repeatedly ignored demands from the sergeant at arms, the official charged with the order and safety of the legislature, to stand down. “Demonstrators also blocked several entryways and exits, forcing state troopers to step in to assist members in moving throughout the building,” forcing the legislature to go into recess. They also blocked off a bathroom.

About the Author

Dan McLaughlin

Dan McLaughlin is a senior writer at National Review Online and a fellow at National Review Institute.

Featured Tags

Among all the dishonest and irresponsible responses to the controversy over the expulsion of two Democrats from the Tennessee state legislature, the worst has to be a letter sent on Wednesday to Attorney General Merrick Garland by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and four other Senate Democrats (Raphael Warnock, Chris Murphy, Brian Schatz, and Alex Padilla). The letter openly endorses the use of mob tactics to interrupt the work of legislatures — the very thing for which Garland is currently prosecuting many of the people who interrupted the joint session of Congress on January 6, 2021.

State representatives Justin Jones of Nashville and Justin Pearson of Memphis led a mob of demonstrators onto the floor of the state house. This not only disrupted the elected state legislature’s ability to carry out the people’s business; Jones shouted at his colleagues through a bullhorn. He and Pearson repeatedly ignored demands from the sergeant at arms, the official charged with the order and safety of the legislature, to stand down. “Demonstrators also blocked several entryways and exits, forcing state troopers to step in to assist members in moving throughout the building,” forcing the legislature to go into recess. They also blocked off a bathroom.