Colton Moore is a politician from Georgia. Also, he is an auctioneer. Moore used to represent Georgia’s State House. Moreover, he has been known to support Donald Trump. At the age of 24, he became the youngest elected senator in Georgia. This was indeed a big achievement in his career. However, he was arrested for entering the House of Chambers forcefully. The incident took place on January 16, 2025. Continue reading to learn more about Colton Moore’s arrest at the State House.
Colton Moore Arrested
Colton had faced a suspension in 2023. This was not the first time that he was swindled by controversy. He received a suspension for an indefinite time. This was due to his attacks on the Republican party members. His actions were questioned. Moreover, there were elaborate discussions about his behavior. At that time, he had criticized colleagues who opposed his efforts. These were to impeach Fani Willis. This was the prosecutor who indicted Trump in an election interference case.
Moore was arrested on Thursday, January 16, 2025. He tried to enter the House of Chambers forcefully. This was during a joint session. However, he was banned from doing so. The ban came after he publicly opposed a decision. This was to name a building at the University of North Georgia. The building was supposed to be named after David Ralston. Instead, Moore called Ralston “one of the corrupt leaders”. Due to this statement, he was banned from the House.
The arrest happened during a tense situation. Moore attempted to enter the house when he was banned. However, he entered the chambers forcefully. Moreover, state troopers detained him. This was after a confrontation with the security. The incident occurred during Governor Brian Kemp’s State of State address. During the scuffle, he mentioned that the House rules did not apply. He insisted on going to the Chamber.
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Retaliation by Moore
However, Moore stood his ground. He argued that he had a constitutional duty. This was to represent his voters. He refused to back down. This was in spite of House Speaker Jon Burns asking him to back down. Alongside, security officers tried to stop him. But, he continued to push ahead. The situation escalated and was held to the ground.
The security restrained him as he was on the ground. Initially, he resisted arrest. However, eventually, the police placed him in handcuffs. Subsequently, he stopped struggling. This was after he was taken into custody. He was later taken to Fulton County Jail. The online jail records indicate that he was booked. These were misdemeanor charges of wilful obstruction of law enforcement officers.
Background of the Ban
The ban was announced because of his statement about Ralston. Also, last year he made remarks that were disrespectful. He mentioned that “Ralston was one of the most corrupt leaders we’ve seen in our lives”. Consequently, the House Speaker John Burns did not take the matter lightly. He mentioned that this was vile, disparaging, and false. Moreover, Burns stated that Moore should apologize. The apology should be sincere to Ralston’s family and friends. Only then the ban would be lifted. Furthermore, Moore and Burns had a meeting to discuss the situation. However, the meeting ended without a resolution. Both sides could not agree on the same thing.
Moreover, before his arrest, he spoke to reporters. Moore mentioned that Burns could not legally stop him from attending the House sessions. This was a joint meeting. The meeting was held to hear Governor Brian speak. Moore claimed that he had met Burns the day before. However, the two could not reach an agreement. However, he insisted that he had a right to attend. As he tried to enter the House, the staff blocked the door. Moore pushed his way forward. He was heard shouting. He mentioned that they could not impede a General Assembly session. Moreover, he mentioned that he has a constitutional obligation to attend.
Public Reaction
Colton Moore took to social media after the reaction. He wanted to express his sentiments regarding the same. Moore claimed that Speaker Burns wanted to “arrest and block” him. This was to prevent him from doing his duty. Alongside, he wrote in a letter that he will not back down. This letter was addressed to Burns. He mentioned that he will always stand up for Northwest Georgia and speak the truth.
Moreover, supporters of Moore also rallied for him. Several of them expressed their anger over his arrest. One of the supporters took to social media to ask Burns to resign. Also, they demanded that those responsible for his ban should face legal consequences. A few of the reporters agreed to release him. The records show that he had to post $1000 to be released.
Colton is the Vice-Chair of the Georgia Freedom Caucus. He is recognized as “America’s First patriot”. This is given by some political commentators. However, his supporters believe he is standing up for his voters. This is despite the ban and other struggles.
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Colton Moore’s arrest has stirred up plenty of controversies. His comments and actions have turned him into a polarizing figure in Georgia. There are a few who support him. However, there are others who criticize his behavior. The situation raises questions about freedom of speech in the House. Also, it portrays the responsibilities of the members while behaving inside the House. As of now, he remains banned from the House. His future in politics also remains uncertain. It will be upon his apology and the reaction of Burns.
