On Wednesday, Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, verified that President Biden intends to convene with three Tennessee legislators who orchestrated an anti-gun demonstration within the State House.
However, she revealed no plans for the president to meet with the victims of the shooting at Covenant School, which incited the protest.
Biden Administration’s Stance on Gun Violence
Peter Doocy, Fox News White House correspondent, queried Jean-Pierre on the topic. While she acknowledged the impending meeting with the “Tennessee Three,” she had “no information to divulge” pertaining to possible intentions of inviting the shooting victims.
Doocy raised the subject of protesting legislators, prompting Jean-Pierre to interpose, specifying they “peacefully protested” in response to the Nashville Covenant School tragedy.
Subsequently, Doocy asked whether any survivors or grieving relatives received invitations to the White House.
“On Monday, you’ll witness three legislators who objected—” Doocy initiated. “Protested in peace,” Jean-Pierre interjected. “—those who engaged in nonviolent demonstrations following the tragic event at Nashville Covenant School,” Doocy resumed.
“Has there been an invitation extended to the White House for any survivors or bereaved families?”
“I’m unable to provide details regarding any invitations,” Jean-Pierre responded.
Doocy inquired, “Why?”
“I simply have no information to share at this moment—regarding invitations,” Jean-Pierre repeated, then shifted the conversation to emphasize the president’s determination to “accomplish tangible results” in combating gun violence.
Doocy: You're going to have three of the lawmakers who protested-
KJP: peacefully protested
Doocy: -after the Nashville Covenant School shooting. Have any of the victims or their families been invited to the White House? pic.twitter.com/9s2MWy8Ldv
— Media Research Center (@theMRC) April 19, 2023
Jones Uses Small Coffin as Symbolic Prop
Jean-Pierre elaborated, explaining that Biden’s intent to meet with lawmakers, those taking initiative to adopt actions aligned with the White House’s further gun control measures, underpinned this focus.
“He persistently urges Congress,” Jean-Pierre proceeded, reproaching Republicans for their lack of “valor” and insisting on an “assault weapons” prohibition.
The trio of Tennessee state representatives involved participated in a protest against firearms, which interrupted the legislative session.
Two members — Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson — faced expulsion from their positions, while Gloria Johnson, who played a less prominent part, evaded such consequences.
TN Rep. Justin Jones brought a prop child’s coffin to the House pic.twitter.com/WCItsqQwJP
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) April 18, 2023
In a matter of days, both Jones and Pearson regained their respective seats and partook in yet another demonstration. During this event, Jones employed a small coffin, fit for a child, as a symbolic prop.
