Republican Sen. Tim Sheehy of Montana assisted Capitol Police in removing a protester from a Senate Armed Services subcommittee hearing on Wednesday, an incident that left the demonstrator claiming he suffered a broken arm.
The protester, Brian McGinnis, a Marine veteran and Green Party Senate candidate from North Carolina, disrupted the hearing to oppose U.S. and Israeli involvement in a war with Iran. McGinnis reportedly shouted, “America does not want to send its sons and daughters to war for Israel,” just under 30 minutes after the session began.
McGinnis, wearing a military uniform, resisted removal, prompting police to intervene. Video footage shows Sheehy leaving the dais to assist officers in ejecting McGinnis. During the struggle, McGinnis’ left hand reportedly became stuck in a door frame. He later told observers his arm was broken during the confrontation.
U.S. Capitol Police said McGinnis faces multiple charges, including three counts of assaulting a police officer, three counts of resisting arrest, and one count of obstructing an entrance. Police also reported that three officers required medical treatment following the altercation.
McGinnis’ campaign manager, Mark Elbourno, disputed the allegations of assault, saying McGinnis “wasn’t assaulting anybody” and that he simply wanted to be heard. McGinnis was arrested and transported to George Washington University Hospital. His condition has not been confirmed.
Sen. Sheehy defended his involvement on X, stating that he stepped in to help police handle McGinnis, who he said was “fighting back,” and to “deescalate the situation.” Sheehy added, “This gentleman came to the Capitol looking for a confrontation, and he got one. I hope he gets the help he needs without causing further violence.”
The Capitol Police emphasized that protests are not allowed inside congressional buildings but can occur elsewhere on Capitol Grounds.
The hearing, focused on military readiness, featured senior military officials, and McGinnis’ protest briefly interrupted proceedings before the senator and officers removed him from the room.
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