Georgia State Senator Colton Moore was arrested on January 16, 2025, after attempting to enter the Georgia House chamber despite a standing ban. The ban, imposed in March 2024, followed Moore’s derogatory remarks about the late House Speaker David Ralston. Moore sought to attend Governor Brian Kemp’s State of the State address but was physically barred and subsequently detained by Capitol police.
In March 2024, during a Senate session honoring Ralston, Moore referred to him as “one of the most corrupt Georgia leaders we’ll ever see in our lifetime.” This comment led to his prohibition from the House chamber, with current House Speaker Jon Burns stating the ban would remain until Moore issued a sincere apology to Ralston’s family.
Despite the ban, Moore attempted to enter the House chamber for the joint session on January 16. Confronted by a doorkeeper and Capitol police, a scuffle ensued, resulting in Moore being handcuffed and escorted to a patrol car. Moore argued that he had a constitutional obligation to represent his constituents and criticized the actions of the House leadership as unconstitutional.
Moore’s team condemned the arrest, highlighting his previous efforts against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. In August 2023, Moore called for an emergency session to investigate Willis following her indictment of former President Donald Trump and others. This move led to his suspension from the Georgia Senate Republican Caucus in September 2023, with colleagues accusing him of misleading the public and causing unnecessary tension.
Speaker Burns has reiterated that Moore’s ban will remain until a formal apology is made. Moore’s arrest underscores ongoing tensions within Georgia’s political landscape, particularly among conservative lawmakers and their leadership.
