Montana Republican Senator Tim Sheehy was involved in a physical confrontation Wednesday with an anti‑war protester during a Senate Armed Services subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill.
Video from the hearing shared by CBS News’ Alan He shows U.S. Capitol Police attempting to remove Brian McGinnis, a Marine Corps veteran and Green Party candidate for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina, after he disrupted the proceedings by shouting opposition to U.S. military action. As officers escorted McGinnis toward the exit, Sheehy moved in to assist, grabbing the protester’s leg and later attempting to pry his arm from a doorframe as McGinnis resisted removal.
An audible snap can be heard on the video as McGinnis clung to the doorway, and it appeared his arm or wrist was injured during the struggle.
Sheehy later reposted the video on social media, describing McGinnis as an “unhinged protestor” who was fighting back as Capitol Police attempted to remove him from the hearing.
“I decided to help out and deescalate the situation,” Sheehy wrote. “This gentleman came to the Capitol looking for a confrontation, and he got one.”
A spokesperson for the U.S. Capitol Police said McGinnis was treated for an injury but did not specify its nature. Police also said three officers were treated for injuries sustained during the incident.
According to Capitol Police, McGinnis faces three counts of assaulting a police officer and three additional counts related to resisting arrest and obstructing an unlawful demonstration. Police said protests are not permitted inside congressional buildings.
McGinnis shouted “No one wants to fight for Israel” as he was being removed, according to video from the hearing.
Newsweek has reached out to the Green Party via email on Wednesday night for comment.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
