A Tennessee Republican lawmaker drew boos from protesters Thursday after arriving at the state Capitol wearing a Trump flag like a cape during a special legislative session in Nashville.
Security stopped state Rep. Todd Warner before he entered the legislative chamber and made him remove the flag, according to reports.
The confrontation came on the third day of the special session, as Republican leaders pushed ahead with a new congressional map after President Donald Trump demanded that the state’s congressional districts be redrawn.
Activists have protested the plan, saying it would divide Tennessee’s only majority-Black congressional seat.
Video shared on social media showed Republican Tennessee state Rep. Scott Cepicky appearing to joke about Warner’s gesture with Democratic Rep. Torrey Harris, who did not appear amused.
Inside the galleries, people chanted and held signs reading “no Jim Crow maps,” “hands off our vote” and “this will backfire,” The Tennessean reported.
The Tennessean reported that Republicans were expected to pass the redistricting plan Thursday.
The outlet also reported that some Republicans opposed the move, with some arguing it was not a good use of taxpayer money and others saying the timing was wrong.
According to The Tennessean, Republican leaders were eager for the chance to turn Tennessee into an all-red wall to help Trump maintain a House majority and “cement” his agenda.
Reuters reported that state troopers asked demonstrators to leave the House gallery during the session.
