White House accuses Republicans of 'SHRUGGING in the face of yet another tragic school shooting' for trying to expel Democrats from Tennessee House instead of tightening gun laws

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The White House on Tuesday accused Republicans of 'shrugging' in the face of repeated school shootings after lawmakers in Tennessee moved to expel three Democrats from the state House after they led anti-gun protests.

The exchanges illustrate the polarized response after three children and three adults were murdered at the Covenant School in Nashville last week.

Protesters invaded the state Capitol last week demanding gun reform, with three Democratic lawmakers among them. On Monday, Republicans began proceedings to expel the three, accusing them of 'disorderly behavior.'

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre condemned the move. 

'By doing what they're doing with these three Democratic legislators, they are shrugging in the face of yet another tragic school shooting while our kids continue to pay the price,' she said. 

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Tuesday accused Republicans of 'shrugging' in the face of repeated school shootings after lawmakers in Tennessee moved to expel three Democrats from the state House after they led anti-gun protests

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

More than 1,000 people flooded into Tennessee's statehouse during a protest organized by mothers on Thursday.

On Monday evening Republicans introduced a motion to expel Reps. Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson.

That triggered a further confrontation as the three used a bullhorn to lead supporters in the public gallery in calls for gun reform.

At the White House, Jean-Pierre said Republicans were missing the point.

'What we saw in Nashville, that horrific event of three kids and three adults Essentially being murdered at school was heart wrenching and infuriating,' she said.

'Our hearts go out to their families. We understand that it's going to take some time to even move forward from such a tragic loss. 

'As you saw and I'm sure been reporting, 7000 Students peacefully marched to the Capitol to confront their lawmakers for their failure to keep them safe at school. 

'And what did the Republican legislators do? As you just laid ... they're trying to expel these three Democratic legislators who joined in the protests. 

'And so what we're seeing from Florida to Tennessee, in the United States. are Republican officials who are doubling down on dangerous bills that make our school, places of worship, and communities less safe.'

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

Anti-gun demonstrators took action after six people were shot dead at a school in Nashville

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. 

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.'