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Reinstated Tennessee lawmaker Justin Jones isseen in unearthed surveillance video hitting a driver with a traffic cone amid a June 2020 Black Lives Matter protest outside the state capitol.

The footage shows Jones, who was elected in 2022, wearing all black and a tan-brimmed hat while standing in the street with six others. The future lawmaker is seen stopping cars and harassing drivers.

At the time, Jones, now 27, faced a series of charges after District Attorney Glenn Funk secretly went to the grand jury in an attempt to indict him for participating in the protests in an 'aggravating' manner.

Jones claimed in 2021 that his participation in the protests was non-violent and referred to the charges, that were later dropped, as 'dramatic' retaliation.

Jones has continued his activism as an elected official, and was recently expelled from the legislature for his gun control protest on the House floor following the Covenant School shooting that left six dead.He and another lawmaker were reinstated days later.

In the street surveillance footage from 2020, Jones appeared to be standing with a small group of six people while obstructing traffic at the state capitol.

The video showed the group stopping a white truck that attempted to pass. It's unclear why the group stopped the truck but they can be seen approaching the driver with a megaphone.

Jones was seen grabbing onto a traffic cone and jabbing the driver as the driver then tried to evade the group, including the people standing in front of his car.

Despite the evidence, Jones wrote on Twitter that he wasn't 'violent' when the charges against him first surfaced in 2021

'They will try to push a false narrative portraying me as violent as a way to deflect from their own actions,' Jones wrote. 'They will suggest that I am out of order. That is their strategy.'

Jones's tweet has since resurfaced with one person rushing to comment that he was 'peacefully rioting' rather than 'peacefully protesting.'

Jones along with Democrat lawmaker Justin Pearson, 27, were expelled after they joineda March 30 protest against gun laws, bringing a bullhorn onto the House floor amid a noisy demonstration.

They were joined in their protest by Gloria Johnson, 60, a veteran member of the legislature, who is white. Jones and Pearson were voted out of the House on Thursday. Johnson was not.

Members of the state's GOP referred to the protest as an 'insurrection' before ousting the two last Thursday.

They were the firsttwo people expelled from the Tennessee state legislature since the Civil War.

They quickly garnered the support of national leaders, including President Joe Biden, who referred to the expulsion as 'shocking, undemocratic, and without precedent.'

Jones and Pearson got their jobs back in a 36-0 vote by Nashville's governing council on April 10. Jones was reinstated on Monday and Pearson on Wednesday.

Since the March protest, there was another mass shooting in nearby Kentucky, it was the 146th mass shooting of 2023.

Five people were killed when a 25-year-old banker entered his workplace with an AR-15 and targeted top executives before he himself was killed

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Video reveals reinstated Tennessee Rep. hurling traffic cone at a driver during BLM protest - Daily Mail

District Attorney Jos Garza called Abbott's move "deeply troubling."

April 10, 2023, 12:34 PM ET

5 min read

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he is working as swiftly as Texas law allows to pardon Daniel Perry, who was convicted Friday of murder in the fatal shooting of a protester at a Black Lives Matter protest in 2020.

Perry, an active-duty U.S. Army sergeant based in Texas at Fort Hood, was working as a driver for a ride-sharing company when he drove onto a street crowded with protesters on July 25, 2020, in Austin, Texas.

Garrett Foster, 28, was pushing his fiancee in a wheelchair during the protest when police say Perry's car was surrounded by protesters.

Foster, who was carrying an AK-47-type rifle, approached Perrys car when he was shot several times by Perry, according to police. Open carry is legal in Texas.

Perry's attorneys argued at trial he had no choice but to shoot Foster for his own protection, according to ABC affiliate KVUE.

Prosecutors argued that Perry could have driven away before firing.

Witnesses testified at the trial that Foster never raised his rifle at Perry, however, Perry told police that Foster did raise the rifle, according to local outlet Austin American-Statesman. Perry did not testify in trial.

Both of the men are white.

Abbott slammed both the jurys decision to convict Perry and Travis County District Attorney Jos Garza for pursuing the case.

Texas has one of the strongest Stand Your Ground laws of self-defense that cannot be nullified by a jury or a progressive District Attorney, Abbott said in an online statement.

He said the Texas Constitution limits his pardon authority to the cases recommended by the Board of Pardons and Paroles. He said he requested the Board of Pardons and Paroles to take up Perrys case and determine if he should be granted a pardon.

Additionally, I have already prioritized reining in rogue district attorneys and the Texas Legislature is working on laws to achieve that goal, he said.

District Attorney Garza fired back, arguing, "in a state that believes in upholding the importance of the rule of law, the Governors statement that he will intervene in the legal proceedings surrounding the death of Garrett Foster is deeply troubling," he said in a statement sent to ABC News.

Garza continued, "In our legal system, a jury ... gets to decide whether a defendant is guilty or innocent not the Governor."

Foster's father Stephen Foster told KVUE News that his family is "happy with the verdict. We're very sorry for his family as well. There's no winners in this. Just glad it's over."

Perry's attorney Clint Broden told ABC News that their focus is on the upcoming sentencing hearing, where they plan to zero-in on Perry's "character and his service to our country as a member of our military for the past 12 years."

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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott seeks pardon for man convicted in murder of Black Lives Matter protester - ABC News

(Washington, DC) Starting on Friday, April 14, Mayor Muriel Bowser and members of her Administration will kick off four days of DC Emancipation Day festivities that the community is invited to join. DC Emancipation Day honors the day President Abraham Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862, which freed over 3,100 enslaved persons in the District of Columbia.

On Friday, April 14 at 12pm, Mayor Bowser and the Office of the Secretary will host the sixth annual Full Democracy Champions Luncheon with this years theme being Defending DC Values. The 2023 Full Democracy Champions Luncheon will commemorate the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia 161 years ago. It will also mark the 50th anniversary of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act with a renewed call for DC statehood. Press interested in attending the event are asked to RSVP with Joshua Collins at [emailprotected].

12pm

2023 Full Democracy Champions LuncheonWalter E. Washington Convention Center, Ballroom A (801 Mount Vernon Place NW)

On Saturday, April 15, Mayor Bowser, the Mayors Office on Community Affairs, and the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment will host the DC Emancipation Day Parade and Concert. The celebration begins with the Mayor leading the parade, followed by an all-star DC Emancipation Day Concert at Freedom Plaza featuring Dru Hill, Rakim, Black Alley, and other artists. The full list of performers can be found here. WUSA9s Emmy award-winning news anchors Lesli Foster and Lorenzo Hall will serve as this years hosts. Food trucks will be selling food on-site, including gourmet hot dogs, soul food, pizza, ribs, Mexican food, and other cuisine. Festivities will conclude with fireworks at Freedom Plaza at 8:30 pm. Press interested in attending the event are asked to RSVP to [emailprotected].

2pm

DC Emancipation Day ParadeStarting location: Pennsylvania Ave NW Between 10th and 14th Streets NWEnding location: Freedom Plaza 1455 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

3pm

DC Emancipation Day ConcertFreedom Plaza1455 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

8:30 pm

Fireworks DisplayFreedom Plaza1455 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

On Sunday, April 16 at 9am, the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment and the Department of Parks and Recreationwill host Family Fun Day at Black Lives Matter Plaza. The activation will feature live radio broadcasts and music from Gospel, R&B, and Go-Go artists, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Washington DC. Cast members of the The Giz, an adaptation of The Wiz, will take the stage to highlight the hit musical. In addition, Sundays event will include food trucks, as well as fitness activities, games for kids, and other fun activities for the whole family. Registration for this event can be done here. Press interested in attending the event are asked to RSVP with Michelle Bailey at [emailprotected].

9am

Family Fun DayBlack Lives Matter Plaza

On Monday, April 17 at 10am, the Mayors Office on African American Affairs will cap off the festivities with an Emancipation Day celebration at the Smithsonian National Museum of the African American History and Culture. The event includes live performances, guided conversations, and a special District Day menu from the Sweet Home Caf. Registration is required to attend, which can be done here. Press interested in attending the event are asked to RSVP with Whitney Sweetwine at [emailprotected].

10am

District DayNational Museum of African American History and Culture (1400 Constitution Avenue NW)

The DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment will provide a live feed of the Saturdays festivities.To view the event, visit mayor.dc.gov/live, tune in on Channel 16 (DCN) or watch on Mayor Bowsers Facebook or Twitter.

Social Media:Mayor Bowser Twitter:@MayorBowserMayor Bowser Instagram:@Mayor_BowserMayor Bowser Facebook:facebook.com/MayorMurielBowserMayor Bowser YouTube:https://www.bit.ly/eomvideos

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Mayor Bowser to Host 2023 DC Emancipation Day Festivities ... - Executive Office of the Mayor

Some residents put pressure on Springfield City School board members Thursday night to say what happened to the black students accused of forcing white students to kneel on the playground at Kenwood Elementary in mid-February and say Black Lives Matter.

>> PREVIOUS: Watch what happens on playground at Kenwood Elementary in Springfield

Board President Chris Williams told those in attendance at the school board meeting that state and federal laws stop the board from releasing the names of the accused or releasing any other identifying information about them, such as an address.

All he could do, he said, was to read a statement about the incident in mid-February.

That didnt sit well with Mike Valley, who has no children enrolled in Springfield schools. He said the issue compelled him to speak to the board.

Its important that our kids go to school and not live in fear of being humiliated, he said. These children were humiliated.

No one asked for any personal information, Valley said. All he wanted to know was whether the accused were being held accountable.

News Center 7s Kayla McDermott asked board President Williams if the media or public are ever going to learn whether the accused children have been expelled or sent to detention.

All I can say is that there was discipline that was carried out, Williams said, also telling McDermott that he doesnt understand the upset surrounding the incident because it was an isolated incident.

>> PREVIOUS: Some seek discussion, not charges, after Black Lives Matter incident at Springfield school

Valley said the boards apparent lack of transparency was wrong.

The school board is governing from a position of fear. Fear makes you clam up, he said. Not talking about specific consequences shows other students that the behavior that occurred on the playground is OK, he said.

You are fomenting tribalism in the school only because they have to come together to have security because obviously the school isnt forming security for them, Valley said.

Story continues

Mike Valley, of Springfield, speaks with News Center 7's Kayla McDermott about the incident at Kenwood Elementary in mid-February.

News Center 7s McDermott said a parent she has been speaking with, whose child was one of those forced to kneel and utter Black Lives Matter that day, said he has heard the accused students were supposed to have been expelled.

But, he said, whether expulsion or detention was meted out has never been confirmed to him.

McDermott will have more tonight, after the conclusion of the NCAA Tournament games.

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Springfield board pressured to reveal punishment for Black Lives Matter incident on playground - Yahoo News

Dozens of people are set to testify during a trial of an ex-Fort Hood soldier who is accused of shooting and killing a Black Lives Matter protester in downtown Austin nearly three years ago.

Sgt. Daniel Perry, 35, who was stationed at Fort Hood at that time, was working as a rideshare driver on the night of July 25, 2020, when during a Black Lives Matter protest, he shot and killed 28-year-old Garrett Foster. Foster was armed with an assault-style rifle at the time.

Well start picking a jury on Monday unless something happens between now and then, said Clint Broden, Perrys defense attorney who spoke with the Herald this week. Sgt. Perry is looking forward to clearing his name and being vindicated.

Travis County court records show the trial is set to begin on Monday in the 147th Judicial District Court, over which Judge Cliff Brown presides. Perry is charged with murder and a second-degree felony charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, court records show.

He is no longer stationed at Fort Hood.

The Army moved him to Alaska for his own safety, Broden said.

In addition to the criminal case, Perry also is facing a civil lawsuit filed last May in state district court. Fosters family filed the lawsuit against Uber and Perry that has not yet been resolved.

Foster was an Air Force veteran who was a full-time caretaker for his fiancee who is confined to a wheelchair, according to previous reporting by the Austin American-Statesman.

SELF DEFENSE?

Witnesses told police that a man, who now is known to be Perry, drove through a crowd of protesters but did not strike anyone gathered for the Black Lives Matter protest in downtown Austin on July 25, 2020. People in the crowd including the man now known to be Foster then surrounded his vehicle. Foster approached his driver side window and motioned with an assault-style rifle for him to roll the window down, Broden said, previously.

Broden said hid client initially believed the person was associated with law enforcement and complied with the command. However, Perry soon realized that the person was not a police officer.

Foster allegedly pointed the rifle at Perry, who then shot him out of fear for his life, according to the attorney. Perry was then shot at and immediately drove to safety and called the police.

Some witnesses at the scene told police that Foster did not point his rifle at Perry, according to Statesman reports, but ultimately it will be up to a jury to decide on the evidence.

A jury will be deciding this case in the safety and comfort of a courtroom, but if they can put themselves in Sgt. Perrys place and understand what it felt like for a mob to surround his vehicle, pounding on it, and then a masked man comes charging up with an assault rifle, Broden said. Sgt. Perry used a handgun to protect himself because he couldnt move his vehicle and that made him a sitting duck. I think any fair-minded person would have done the same thing.

Court records show that subpoenas have been issued by the state and the defense to at least 100 people, including many members of the Austin Police Department and protesters who were at the scene.

These protesters did similar things to other people during that same timeframe, Broden said. About three weeks prior, a mob surrounded the car of Logan Buckman (who has been subpoenaed to testify) and he pulled out a handgun to defend himself from the mob attacking his car. No one approached his car with an assault rifle so he was able to get away.

Perry was indicted on July 1, 2021, on charges of murder, aggravated assault and deadly conduct. Although initially charged as a felony, on July 16, 2021, the deadly conduct charge was transferred to county court, which decides misdemeanor cases. Following the indictment, Perry turned himself in to the Austin Police Department and was released the same day after posting a $300,000, bond, according to the Statesman.

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Trial set to begin in case of soldier accused of murdering BLM protester - The Killeen Daily Herald