The Acworth Police Department has shared details about the arrest of three people at a town hall meeting led by Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene on Tuesday. The arrests were due to disruptive behavior that posed a public safety threat, according to a police news release. Before the meeting, crime analysts noticed online posts indicating possible disruptions, prompting law enforcement to prepare. The situation escalated as soon as Congresswoman Greene began speaking, with some audience members becoming disruptive, which police described as an “imminent public safety threat. “
Officers allege that the individuals aimed to provoke law enforcement in front of the media. While six attendees were escorted out peacefully, three were arrested, with two requiring tasers for removal. Officers reported threats, physical resistance, and harm. One arrested individual showed identification from outside Greene’s district, despite the fact that the Congresswoman’s staff said that they had verified all those who attended were residents of the 14th Congressional District. The arrested individuals include Andrew Russell Nelms, Johnny Keith Williams, and Kiyana Davis, each facing varying charges.
Johnny Williams, who was hit by police tasers, is facing charges for felony obstruction of law enforcement and misdemeanor simple battery of law enforcement. The District Attorney’s office, led by Sonya Allen, has added a felony charge for terroristic acts and threats. Williams is a disabled, decorated veteran living in Congressional District 14. He became upset during a town hall meeting when MTG used a 2011 video of Barack Obama to support cuts to federal agencies, including Veterans Affairs and Social Security. Critically, the footage showing why Johnny got upset was cut from Greene’s town hall video, with a noticeable edit around the 25:43 mark, which was posted to Greene’s YouTube channel.
The police thanked those who protested the controversial Congresswoman’s event peacefully and reaffirmed their support for the First Amendment rights of those to protest.
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