Former Marine and Senate candidate Brian McGinnis was forcibly removed from a Senate Armed Services Subcommittee hearing on March 4 after protesting U.S. involvement in the Iran conflict.
McGinnis, who served in the Marines from 2000 to 2004, shouted, “No one wants to fight for Israel” during the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support hearing. Capitol Police, joined by Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), dragged him from the room after he resisted. Both McGinnis and three officers were treated for injuries; McGinnis claimed his arm was broken.
Charges and Reactions
Capitol Police said McGinnis faces three counts of assault on an officer and three counts of resisting arrest and obstructing officials. Video shows him attempting to resist by sticking his arm in a door as officers removed him.
Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) called for order, reminding witnesses that protests are not allowed inside Congressional hearings but can occur elsewhere on Capitol grounds.
McGinnis Speaks Out
In a video posted to X, McGinnis said he came to Washington to question senators about sending troops into Iran. “I’m here in D.C. trying to speak out against the Senate and ask them why they’re going to send our men and women to harm’s way,” he said.
His family later announced they are stepping back from the public eye to allow him to focus on recovery.
The incident occurred amid escalating tensions following U.S. and Israeli strikes in Iran that killed several Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and six U.S. service members.
For more on U.S.-Iran conflict, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.