NASHVILLE, Tenn. — What began as a plea for action on gun violence ended in a deeply personal and public clash during a House Criminal Justice Subcommittee meeting on Wednesday after State Rep. Justin J. Pearson of Tennessee clashed with a Republican lawmaker over an issue that had just shattered his own family.
Pearson (D-Memphis) presented a bill to repeal Tennessee’s permitless carry law, a policy that critics say has worsened the state’s already dire gun violence crisis. It was his first time back at the Capitol after losing his brother, Timphrance Darnell Pearson, to suicide by firearm in December.
“We need to do something about the gun violence epidemic, we have the power to do something about the gun violence epidemic, and we don’t just have to offer some empty thoughts and prayers,” Pearson said.
But when Rep. Andrew Farmer (R-Sevierville) moved to shut down debate, the exchange turned personal.
“I know every member in this committee has been here this year, working, during committee, during session, voting on bills,” Farmer said. “And I know you may have some things going on, but you have not, so I don’t think it’s fair for you to come in front of this committee and lecture us on hard work and convictions and hard work for our committee. So I understand where you’re at and what you are doing and why, but at the end of the day, we’ve been here working.”
Pearson, visibly emotional, responded with grief and fury.
“It is a pathetic excuse for you to not answer the question of why we are doing nothing about the gun violence epidemic, then to personally attack me,” Pearson said. “But let me explain to you what I have been doing, Representative, since you asked. My brother, Timphrance Darnell Pearson, one of the loves of my life, passed away from gun suicide on December 1st of 2024, and since that happened, it’s shattered my family like gun violence has shattered so many families.”
Rep Pearson calls out Tennessee Republican lawmaker
Pearson’s voice grew louder as he described making funeral arrangements and caring for his brother, even in death. Though the chairman cut off his microphone in an attempt to regain order, Pearson continued.
As the exchange escalated, Pearson moved toward Farmer. The majority leader and others stepped in to hold him back. Farmer sat still, refusing to look Pearson in the eye.
The chairman called for a recess. Both lawmakers exited the room, though Farmer later returned after Pearson had left, WKRN News reported.
The tense moment follows a long history of political tension between the two. Farmer was among the lawmakers who spoke in support of expelling both Pearson and fellow Rep. Justin Jones (D-Nashville) in 2023, after the pair led a peaceful protest calling for gun reform following the Covenant School shooting in Nashville.
After the hearing, Farmer issued a statement attempting to deflect blame.
“There is not a single member of our body who doesn’t have tremendous sympathy for Rep. Pearson’s loss,” Farmer said in a statement to News 2. “Every one of us has struggled with personal tragedy at some point and we have all offered grace and compassion while he took these last few months off to grieve. Unfortunately, on his first day back, Rep. Pearson took the first available opportunity to attack and demean his colleagues and then attempted to confront me physically. I will continue to pray for him, and I hope he finds peace and healing.”
Pearson responds
Pearson, meanwhile, addressed the incident on Instagram.
“Out of all the things imaginable, I never thought I would have to defend grieving my brother in a General Assembly subcommittee,” he wrote. “It’s sad how low some people are willing to go for sound bite. Farmer, I would never treat another person the way you treated me. No matter how personal it gets on the floor, family and loved ones, especially those who have passed away, are off limits.”
Pearson’s bill to repeal permitless carry in Tennessee failed in committee. But the moment underscored a deeper crisis. In a state where guns have become more accessible than mental health services, Pearson wasn’t just making a policy argument. He was putting his grief on the record.
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How does Farmer likvce with himself. He is appalling.