Rep. Al Green was removed from the House chamber Tuesday night after staging a protest during President Donald Trump’s primetime speech to Congress, marking the second straight year the Texas Democrat has been ejected during one of the president’s addresses.
According to Fox News, the longtime lawmaker was standing on the Democratic side of the chamber, just a few rows from the podium, as Trump entered to begin his remarks.
As the president arrived, Green held up a sign that read in all capital letters, “Black people aren’t apes!” He kept the sign raised and remained on his feet after Trump started speaking.
Capitol security moved in shortly afterward and escorted him out of the chamber when he did not sit down or lower the sign.
Before his removal, Green was seen in tense exchanges with two Texas Republicans, Reps. Troy Nehls and Pat Fallon, according to Fox News Digital.
The incident echoed a similar confrontation the previous year, when Green repeatedly interrupted Trump’s address by shouting and shaking his cane.
That disruption led Speaker Mike Johnson to order the sergeant at arms to restore order and have Green removed.
“Members are engaging in willful and continuing breach of decorum, and the chair is prepared to direct the sergeant at arms to restore order to the joint session,” Johnson said at the time.
Green was later censured by the House over that outburst, with 10 Democrats joining Republicans in support of the measure.
Following his removal Tuesday, Green remained defiant. Speaking to reporters in the Capitol, he said he was prepared to face consequences for the protest.
“I’m willing to suffer whatever punishment is available to me. I didn’t say to anyone, ‘don’t punish me.’ I’ve said I’ll accept the punishment,” Green said.
He added that his actions were meant as a stand against Trump’s policy goals.
“But it’s worth it to let people know that there are some of us who are going to stand up against this president’s desire to cut Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security.”
Green has long been one of Trump’s most outspoken critics in the House and has previously introduced articles of impeachment against him.
