Two Democrats expelled from Tennessee house over gun control protest | First Thing

Joe Biden and Barack Obama condemn expulsion of Justin Jones and Justin Pearson from Republican-controlled state house. Plus, why do so many of Forbes 30 under 30 alum face jail?

Good morning.

Two Democratic lawmakers have been expelled from Tennessee's GOP-dominated House, an extraordinary act of political retaliation for their role in a gun control demonstration after the killings at a Nashville elementary school last week.

What has Barack Obama said about the expulsion? The former president joined in the condemnation, tweeting: This nation was built on peaceful protest. No elected official should lose their job simply for raising their voice - especially when they're doing it on behalf of our children."

What have Democrats said? The progressive New York congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted: This is beyond party or partisanship. This degree of corruption is shocking - almost cartoonish. Thomas must be impeached. Barring some dramatic change, this is what the [chief justice John] Roberts court will be known for: rank corruption, erosion of democracy, and the stripping of human rights."