Al Green Ejected From State of the Union After Holding 'Black people aren’t apes' Sign as Democrats Sit and Republicans Cheer

Texas Democrat Al Green was escorted out of the House chamber early into the president’s State of the Union address after holding a sign that read "Black people aren’t apes!" — a silent protest that led to his removal and left his seat empty as many Democrats remained seated while Republicans cheered.

Al Green removed after silent, pointed protest

Green’s protest was quiet but visible: he lingered in the center aisle with a cardboard placard bearing the message "Black people aren’t apes!" The sign referenced the president sharing a racist video depiction of Barack and Michelle Obama. Green was escorted out almost immediately, marking the second consecutive year he has been removed during the annual address. During the exit multiple Republican representatives attempted to grab at the sign or block it from cameras.

Confrontations as he was led from the chamber

As Green walked toward the door, Representative Troy Nehls of Texas was seen aggressively engaging with him just before a staffer escorted the lawmaker out. Senator Markwayne Mullin also approached Green in what was described as a menacing manner. Green left the chamber clutching both his walking stick and his protest sign; a handful of Republicans exchanged acrimonious words with him and some began chanting "USA! USA!"

Empty seat and visible protest message

After Green’s removal his seat remained empty except for a handwritten cardboard sign that said "Al Green. " Outside the chamber he told reporters his removal was of no consequence and continued to hold his sign so cameras could see it. He said nothing would prevent him from doing what he believed to be a righteous act, added that people must take a stand, and characterized himself as one who has acted while believing others would as well.

Broader Democratic response during the address

Dozens of Democrats made clear their opposition during the speech, with many sitting solemnly while Republican members leapt to their feet to applaud at the end of nearly every sentence. Several Democrats walked out early. Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat from Virginia, stated he could not sit through an hour of the president’s lies and left while the president was addressing economic achievements. Representative Bill Foster of Illinois said he counted five "bald-faced lies" — the same tally he reached the year before — and left less than one hour into the speech.

Heated exchanges on specific issues

Representative Rashida Tlaib, wearing a pin that read "release the files, " shouted back during the address about the killing of Alex Pretti, described in the chamber as a Minneapolis nurse shot to death by federal agents, declaring that people had seen the videos. Representative Ilhan Omar interrupted the president as well, shouting that he should be ashamed and repeatedly saying the president had "killed Americans. " These interruptions occurred as the president criticized Democrats for not supporting his immigration enforcement agenda and urged funding for the Department of Homeland Security to a standing ovation from Republicans.

Al Green’s history of opposition and civil rights focus

Green has been among the president’s most persistent critics and was the first member of Congress to call for his impeachment as early as 2017. He represents a predominantly African American district and has long focused on civil rights; those strands of his record and rhetoric were evident in his decision to stage a visible protest during the address.

Developing details may evolve as more information becomes available about reactions inside and outside the chamber.