Chaos in the Tennessee House as Republicans vow to expel three Democrats for protesting and leading chants for gun reform after the Nashville mass shooting

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Tennessee Republicans made the first move Monday to expel three Democratic lawmakers from the House for their role leading last week's chaotic gun control protest at the state Capitol.

Republicans accused the Democrats of 'disorderly behavior' last Thursday during demonstrations after the deadly Covenant School shooting. 

The extraordinary move triggered further unrest as the Democratic members — Reps. Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones, and Justin Pearson — used a bullhorn to lead supporters in the public gallery in chants for gun reform.

It illustrates the upheaval in Nashville after a shooter killed three children and three members of staff last week, triggering mass protests.

Hundreds of people invaded the Capitol last week demanding that the Republican-led Statehouse pass gun control measures.

On Monday, Reps. Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones, and Justin Pearson used a bullhorn to lead supporters in the public gallery in chants for gun reform as they face expulsion

House leadership later described it as an 'insurrection,' aping language used around the attack on the U.S. Capitol by Donald Trump's supporters in January, 2021. 

On Monday, three Republicans filed resolutions that the three Democrats be expelled and they successfully asked for an expedited process with a vote Thursday. 

The resolutions claim the three 'did knowingly and intentionally bring disorder and dishonor to the House of Representatives,' according to the Tennesseean newspaper. 

The result was fresh chaos on Monday when the first resolution, targeting Pearson, was introduced.

Protesters shouted from the galleries and Pearson raised his fist in salute, while other Democrats raised their hands to object.

Members of the public chanted: 'Fascists! Fascists!" and wagged their fingers and fists at members. Instead, the speaker called for state troopers to clear the House galleries. 

Johnson later said she would consider a lawsuit if expelled, saying their protest was constitutionally protected. 

'We're going to push back, and we're gonna fight this because it's unprecedented and utterly ridiculous,' she told the Tennesseean. 

Protestors last week as they gathered at the Tennessee State Capitol Building to demand action from lawmakers on gun control after The Covenant School shooting

Johnson with protesters inside the state Capitol building last week demanding gun reform

She accused Republicans of double standards. 

'We had a child molester on the floor for years, they helped him get reelected and did nothing to expel him,' she added.

'We've had members pee in each other's chairs and nothing happened. But talk on the floor without permission, and you'll get expelled.'

House Speaker Cameron Sexton also announced that the three lawmakers had been stripped of their committee assignments and said more punishments could be on the way. 

'A few hours later, House Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison referred to Jones as the 'former representative' during the evening session. 

Lawmakers leaving on Monday evening after protests in the chamber

After the votes, House Democrats said they stood behind the three. 

'The Democratic Caucus has unanimously, formally voted to oppose the baseless resolutions for expulsion and will zealously oppose them should they come up for a vote on the House floor,' they said in a statement.

The Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators also protested the resolutions.

'This political retribution is unconstitutional and, in this moment, morally bankrupt,' it said. 

'The people who elected us are calling for meaningful action to end gun violence and the people have a right to be heard through their duly elected representatives.'