Tennessee Republicans just passed a new congressional map that wipes out the state’s lone Democrat-held district.
Protesters inside the Tennessee State Capitol immediately lost it. In the House chamber, the public gallery erupted with people jumping to their feet, raising fists in the air, and shouting as the vote went through. One man leaped onto desks waving a sign and an orange object while others stood on chairs pumping their arms.
The chaos spilled into the hallways where a huge crowd swarmed state troopers. Demonstrators blew air horns inches from officers’ faces, waved signs reading “WE SHALL OVERCOME” and “GOP KILLS DEMOCRACY,” and thrust rainbow flags and cardboard posters forward. Protesters pressed in tight, pointing and yelling directly at law enforcement as troopers formed lines to keep order.
Democrats had their safe seat and now it’s gone. The meltdown was immediate and unhinged. Republicans drew the lines fair and square — and the left can’t handle it.
