Why was Colton Moore banned from House Chambers? Georgia senator thanks community support after arrest over defying ban

State senator Colton Moore, R-Trenton, was arrested on 17 January after attempting to enter the chamber for the governor’s State of the State address, leading to a physical altercation with House staff. Let's take a look at why Moore was banned in the first place.

On 14 March 2024, Colton Moore faced a ban from the Georgia House chambers after making inflammatory remarks about the late House Speaker David Ralston during a ceremony honoring him. The incident occurred during the unveiling of Ralston’s portrait on what would have been his 70th birthday, with Governor Brian Kemp, former governors, and Ralston's family in attendance.

During the session, Colton Moore spoke out against a resolution to name a building at the University of North Georgia’s Blue Ridge campus after Ralston, accusing the late speaker of corruption. Moore said:

"This body is about to memorialize, in my opinion, one of the most corrupt Georgia leaders that we are ever going to see in my lifetime."

His comments caused significant backlash. Relatives and supporters of Ralston, seated in the Senate balcony, witnessed the incident, which prompted Lt. Gov. Burt Jones to interrupt Moore, calling the remarks inappropriate.

Senate President Pro Tem John F. Kennedy and other senators publicly apologized to Ralston’s family, expressing their dismay and embarrassment over Colton Moore’s behavior.

Shortly after, House Speaker Jon Burns condemned Moore’s comments as 'vile' and false, citing them as an attack on Ralston's integrity. In response, Burns ordered House doorkeepers to bar Moore from entering the chamber, reported the Associated Press.

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Colton Moore thanks the community for supporting him after he defied the ban

After the physical altercation on 16 January, Colton Moore shared a video message, thanking the community for their support. He said:

"I did take a bit of a beating on my hand. It's a bit swollen and purple... Appreciate all of the support, all of the warm comments from all over the country, all over the state of Georgia, and proud to represent the people from Northwest Georgia."

The online community seems to be rallying behind Colton Moore after watching the way he was restrained by the doormen. One user posted on X:

"JUST IN: Georgia state Senator Colton Moore pushed to the ground & arrested for trying to enter the GA House chamber. Moore was previously banned from entering. In 2023, Moore led the charge against DA Fani Willis, despite opposition from the party."

Here are some comments that followed the post. One user angrily wrote:

"How the hell can an elected senator not be allowed to enter the chambers, this is insanity. I also see no reason why he had to be physically assaulted like that"

Viewing the ban as impractical, one X user commented:

"If the GA Senate wants him removed there's means for that, but to just deny him the ability to vote for those who elected him is tyranny. He still represents 250k constituents and they're being denied a say in GA."

Another X user noted:

"A seated member of the state legislature cannot be denied entry unless under censure."

"Everyone of his constituents should demand to enter congress since they won't allow their representative entry," chimed in another user.

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Colton Moore represents Georgia State Senate District 53. He assumed office on January 9, 2023.