Senator Tim Sheehy stepped in to physically remove a Marine veteran from a Senate Armed Services subcommittee hearing on March 5. The protester, Brian McGinnis, a Green Party candidate, loudly criticized US involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict. McGinnis was heard shouting, “No one wants to fight for Israel,” disrupting the ongoing hearing.
Capitol Police were attempting to remove an unhinged protestor from the Armed Services hearing. He was fighting back. I decided to help out and deescalate the situation.
This gentleman came to the Capitol looking for a confrontation, and he got one. I hope he gets the help he… https://t.co/MU1THo8fKA
— Tim Sheehy (@TimSheehyMT) March 4, 2026
McGinnis Disrupts Hearing with Anti-War Protest
The protest began 30 minutes into the hearing when McGinnis, dressed in a military uniform, voiced his strong opposition to the war. He began shouting that Americans should not be sent to fight for Israel. The outburst caused a disruption, and Capitol Police quickly attempted to remove him from the room.
Sheehy Intervenes, Helps Police Remove McGinnis
In a viral video, McGinnis can be seen struggling with Capitol Police officers as they tried to remove him. Senator Tim Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL, left his seat and rushed to assist the officers. Sheehy helped lift McGinnis and drag him out of the hearing room.
Sheehy later explained on his X account, “Capitol Police were attempting to remove an unhinged protestor from the Armed Services hearing. He was fighting back, and I decided to help out and deescalate the situation.”
After the incident, McGinnis claimed his arm was broken while being dragged out of the room. Video footage shows McGinnis’ left hand stuck between the door and the frame as officers tried to pull him out. He later said, “No, it’s not [okay],” when asked about his injury, claiming his left arm was broken during the altercation.
Capitol Police Responds to McGinnis’ Actions
The US Capitol Police charged McGinnis with assaulting officers and resisting arrest. The agency claimed McGinnis fought back violently as they tried to remove him from the hearing. Capitol Police stated that McGinnis’ actions endangered everyone involved and delayed the hearing. Three officers were treated for injuries resulting from the altercation.
McGinnis’ campaign manager, Mark Elbourno, denied the allegations of assault. Elbourno stated, “He wasn’t assaulting anybody. He just wanted to be heard.” He added, “McGinnis was the one who was assaulted. They broke his arm.”
Elbourno also clarified that McGinnis was protesting against the US-Israel military alliance and the war in Iran. He explained that McGinnis could no longer stay silent about the government’s actions.
The Debate Over US Military Involvement
McGinnis’ protest brings attention to the growing opposition to US military involvement in Iran. His actions at the Capitol highlight frustration with US foreign policy, particularly concerning Israel. The Green Party candidate has voiced concerns about the lack of public debate on military interventions and their impact on citizens.
The incident at the Capitol raises important questions about protest rights in government settings. While McGinnis’ supporters argue he was exercising his right to protest, others, including Sheehy, believe his actions disrupted a critical hearing. The altercation highlights ongoing debates over US military actions and the role of protests in shaping political discourse.
