A House Republican and House Democrat got into a confrontation over a sign protesting President Trump before his speech to Congress had even begun.

Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), who was standing along the aisle in view of cameras as Trump walked into the chamber and greeted Republicans, held up a handwritten sign that said: “This is not normal.” 

After Trump walked by, Rep. Lance Gooden (R-Texas) – who was standing along the other side of the aisle and had greeted the president as he walked by – reached across the aisle and ripped it away from her, tossing the piece of paper.

It was an early incident that set the tone for Democrats mounting even more dramatic protests during Trump’s speech.

Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) later interrupted Trump’s speech and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) ordered the sergeant-at-arms to remove him from the chamber.

Tags Al Green Lance Gooden Melanie Stansbury Mike Johnson

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