Alabama State Troopers Forcibly Remove Black Voting Rights Advocate from House Gallery

Tempers exploded inside the Alabama House chamber Friday after security officers forcibly removed a voting rights advocate during discussion over a controversial primary election bill, abruptly interrupting proceedings and triggering emotional confrontations among lawmakers.

Shouting erupted from the House gallery as lawmakers prepared to consider SB 1, according to the Alabama Reflector. Protesters opposing the legislation interrupted proceedings moments before Democratic Rep. Chris England of Tuscaloosa prepared to speak on the bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Chris Elliott of Josephine.

Alabama state troopers and Statehouse security officers moved quickly toward Dee Reed, a representative with Black Voters Matter, after protesters began yelling from behind glass barriers overlooking the chamber floor. Several Democratic lawmakers rushed toward the gallery area as officers restrained Reed and removed her from the seating section during the disruption.

Rep. Juandalynn Givan of Birmingham later accused officers of using excessive force during Reed’s removal. Givan described watching Reed pinned to the ground by white state troopers inside the Statehouse while lawmakers and activists stood nearby during the confrontation.

“Too many emotions. This is taking me back and to see a Black woman being pinned down in Alabama in the statehouse by state troopers it is unacceptable,” Givan said after proceedings resumed.

House proceedings paused briefly while security officers cleared the gallery and escorted protesters from the area. Lawmakers were later seen arguing near chamber entrances while activists gathered outside discussing what unfolded during the interruption.

SB 1 has already generated fierce political divisions inside Alabama’s legislature. Supporters argue legislation would strengthen election procedures and political accountability, while opponents believe changes connected to primary elections could disproportionately affect voter participation and political organizing efforts.

Friday’s confrontation transformed an already tense session into one of the most emotionally charged scenes inside the Alabama Statehouse this year. Witnesses inside the chamber described confusion and shouting as security personnel struggled to remove protesters while lawmakers attempted to continue proceedings.

Questions surrounding how Reed was handled quickly became intertwined with broader arguments surrounding voting rights, race, and political protest inside Alabama government buildings. Eyewitness accounts from inside the chamber circulated following the incident.

Neither House leadership nor state law enforcement agencies immediately issued detailed public explanations regarding allegations tied to Reed’s removal. Questions surrounding both the legislation and security response are expected to continue as lawmakers move deeper into the final stretch of the legislative session.

For lawmakers, activists, and observers inside the chamber Friday, confrontation extended beyond one interrupted proceeding. Scene reflected deeper political and historical tensions that continue shaping battles over voting rights and public dissent across Alabama.