(The Center Square) – Lt. Gov. Burt Jones said the arrest of state Sen. Colton Moore was an embarrassment for the Georgia General Assembly and it shouldn’t happen again.
The schism began in 2024 when Moore, R-Trenton, made comments about late House Speaker David Ralston that have been deemed “vile.” House Speaker Jon Burns banned Moore from the House until he apologized.
Moore was arrested as he tried to enter the House chambers on Thursday to attend Gov. Brian Kemp’s State of the State address.
Jones said he met with Burns on Friday morning and he agreed it shouldn’t happen again.
“You have my word this will not happen again under my watch,” Jones said. “I will make sure every senator has a voice in this building. I would hope I would have the support of the body to represent you in that way.”
While some House members criticized Burns on Friday, Rep. Marcus Wiedower, R-Watkinsville, offered support.
“Certain people use this as theater,” Wiedower said from the House well. “Certain people plan on things to be able to raise money. They play on people’s emotions. They play on what people want to hear at home because they think it will get them to their next step. I’m not here for that.”
Burns thanked the House for “holding the line to honor” Ralston’s legacy in a statement Thursday afternoon. He did not mention the incident on Friday.
“The senator refused to cooperate with doorkeepers and law enforcement, and created a dangerous situation when he chose to use force against our law enforcement officers, dedicated doorkeepers and House staff,” Burns said in a statement. “As you saw today, the integrity and decorum of this House are nonnegotiable – period.”