MONTGOMERY — Democratic members of the House of Representatives wrestled with law enforcement and security staff in the gallery as protestors began chanting and disrupting Friday's special session proceedings.
Things were particularly tense in the House chamber as members debated a bill that would allow the state to call a special election using court-blocked state Senate maps.
Tensions built over an hour of debate on the bill, when suddenly chanting could be heard from the upstairs gallery, prompting House members to motion for a recess.
Upstairs in the gallery, protestors were cursing, singing, chanting and making all manner of general racket. At one point, Dee Reed of Black Voters Matter was being handled by law enforcement, who were attempting to remove her.
As Reed went limp and fell to the floor, several Democratic state representatives made their way to the gallery, pushing past guards and law enforcement to try to help Reed.
"Let us get her," shouted State Rep. Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham), who, along with State Rep. Mary Moore (D-Birmingham), was pushing past police and state house security.
Several other House Democrats went to the gallery, trying to restore order and direct the protestors to their seats.
As the altercations settled, protesters continued chanting and screaming at police who were, at times, preventing people from sitting in the gallery. After the confusion over who was allowed to sit seemed to clear, things calmed down, and the House resumed business.
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