At a recent town hall hosted by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, protesters were tased, dragged out, and arrested simply for expressing dissent. This is not democracy.

‘This is a peaceful town hall,’ the Georgia Congresswoman can be heard saying after a protester was just tased. – Independent

During the public event in Acworth, Georgia, two protesters were tased and multiple others physically removed and charged — including one holding a sign that said “Jail 4 inside traders.” Videos show officers forcefully removing individuals, surrounding and tasing protesters, and dragging them out as attendees applauded the violence.

This kind of response to nonviolent dissent is an abuse of power and a dangerous attack on our First Amendment rights. Town halls are supposed to be a space for constituents to engage elected officials — not a place for police violence and public humiliation.

Rep. Greene later said she was “glad” the protesters were “thrown out.” But cheering on police brutality should never be acceptable in our democracy.

Free speech is not a crime. Peaceful protest is not disorderly conduct. Tasing unarmed citizens for dissent is unacceptable.

We call on the officials to take immediate action:

• Acworth Police Department: Open an internal investigation into the use of force against town hall protesters and release all body camera footage.
• Georgia State Attorney General & Civil Rights Division of the DOJ: Launch an independent civil rights investigation into the actions of Acworth Police and potential violations of protesters’ constitutional rights.
• Local and state elected officials: Commit to protecting free speech and the right to protest at public forums and implement clear guidelines restricting excessive force.

Sign this petition to demand accountability and stand up for the right to speak out — even when it challenges those in power.

Photo via Newsweek