Texas Democrat Al Green was removed from President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday night after holding up a sign reading “Black people aren't apes!” during the speech. It was the second consecutive year the congressman had been ejected from the annual address.
As Mr Trump began speaking, Mr Green remained standing in the centre aisle brandishing the sign, which referenced a racist video featuring Barack and Michelle Obama that the president had previously shared. He held the sign aloft as he was escorted from the chamber, despite attempts by Republican colleagues to grab or block it from view.
Representative Troy Nehls of Texas was seen engaging aggressively with Mr Green, and Senator Markwayne Mullin also approached him menacingly. Some Republicans chanted “USA!” as the congressman left, still clutching his walking stick and sign. His seat was left with a handwritten cardboard sign reading “Al Green”.
Speaking to reporters outside the chamber, Mr Green said his removal was “of no consequence” and that nothing would stop him from doing what he believed was righteous. “You have to take a stand,” he said, adding: “I am just a person who has done it – but there are many others, I believe, who would.” Mr Green, who has long fought for civil rights, was the first member of Congress to call for Mr Trump's impeachment.
Democrats showed their opposition in other ways. Many remained seated while Republicans stood to applaud Mr Trump's remarks. Several walked out early, including Senator Mark Warner, who said he “couldn't sit through an hour of Trump's lies”, and Representative Bill Foster, who left after counting “five bald-faced lies”. Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar shouted at the president, with Ms Tlaib referring to the killing of Minneapolis nurse Alex Pretti, and the pair left together before the speech concluded.
