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A Green Party candidate for the U.S. Senate was injured during a protest at a congressional hearing this week, but says he will continue his campaign despite facing criminal charges.
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Brian McGinnis, a former U.S. Marine running for Senate in North Carolina, said his arm was broken during a confrontation with officers from the United States Capitol Police and Senator Tim Sheehy at a Senate Armed Services subcommittee hearing on Wednesday.
According to video footage verified by Reuters, McGinnis interrupted the hearing by shouting criticism of U.S. support for Israel and the ongoing military conflict involving Iran. As officers attempted to remove him from the hearing room, a struggle ensued near the doorway.
Senator Sheehy joined Capitol Police in lifting up and ejecting anti war protestor Brian McGinnis from a SASC subcommittee hearing. McGinnis is a Green Party candidate running for Senate in N.C. An antiwar activist filmed the video below: pic.twitter.com/0dVA0ORWXQ
— Alan He (@alanhe) March 4, 2026
During the confrontation, McGinnis’ hand became trapped in the hinge of the door as security officers and the senator attempted to pull him out. Witnesses in the room shouted that his hand was stuck moments before a cracking sound was heard. McGinnis later said the incident resulted in a broken arm.
The 44-year-old candidate has been charged with assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest and obstruction during an unlawful demonstration.
Despite the injuries and charges, McGinnis said he intends to remain in the Senate race. In a post on the social media platform X, he wrote that the incident had strengthened his resolve to continue campaigning.
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Senator Sheehy later said he stepped in to help officers manage the situation and de-escalate the altercation. Capitol Police said three officers were treated for minor injuries, while the protester also received medical attention.
The incident comes amid rising political tensions in Washington as the United States and Israel conduct military strikes against Iran, prompting protests and sharp debate over U.S. involvement in the conflict.