Tight security, protests meet Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for Tax Day town hall in Cobb County

COBB COUNTY, Ga. - Georgia’s Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene hosted a town hall meeting in Cobb County on Tuesday evening. 

Protesters repeatedly interrupted the event, leading to several ejections and multiple arrests, including two where Tasers were deployed by police.

What we know:

The town hall was held at the Acworth Community Center. Multiple law enforcement agencies attended, including the Acworth Police Department, Cobb County Police, Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, Kennesaw Police, and the Georgia State Patrol. Officials say preparations were made in advance after crime analysts flagged online posts suggesting the potential for disruption.

Security was tight at Tuesday’s event. Only pre-registered attendees who live in Greene’s district were allowed to enter. IDs were checked against a sign-up list, and the event location was kept private until registration was confirmed. Despite those precautions, Greene said she welcomed constituents of all political stripes.

Before the event got underway, a crowd of protesters gathered outside the venue, holding signs denouncing Rep. Greene and the Trump administration. Greene, who represents residents in northwest Georgia, drew chants from the crowd like "Hey hey, ho ho, MTG must go."

"If you want to shout and chant, we will have you thrown out just like that man," Greene told the crowd shortly after one of the outbursts.

Tensions quickly escalated indoors. As the town hall began, police escorted out the first demonstrator. Moments later, a second protester was removed after Greene commented that protesters "have a lot to learn."

"As soon as the Congresswoman began her presentation, several members of the audience became disruptive and created an imminent public safety threat for all in attendance," the Acworth Police Department said in a statement. "Their intentions were clear — to place the members of our beloved police department in a no-win situation in front of numerous media outlets."

According to authorities, six attendees were escorted out without incident. However, three were arrested after officers reported being threatened, physically resisted, and harmed while attempting to remove them.

Police say three people were arrested. Those arrested were identified as:

• Andrew Russell Nelms, 40, of Atlanta, charged with simple battery on a law enforcement officer and obstruction.
• Johnny Keith Williams, 45, of Dallas, charged with the same battery offense and felony obstruction.
• Kiyana Name Davis, 28, also of Dallas, charged with violating a city ordinance for vulgar language.

"We are grateful for those in attendance and those who conducted peaceful protests outside of the facility," the department said. "It is disappointing that a very small number of people actively worked to create a temporary disruption to what was otherwise a completely peaceful event."

What they're saying:

Once the event settled, Greene spoke for approximately 30 minutes, praising what she described as national improvements under former President Donald Trump, who took office three months ago. She cited economic growth, border security, and efforts to reduce government waste.

"She lost her life to a criminal, an animal, a murderer who should never have been in our country," Greene said of nursing student Laken Riley, referencing her in remarks about immigration and border enforcement.

Greene also addressed questions submitted by attendees, including one about executive actions taken by Trump. "I have several bills that are President Trump’s executive orders. One of them is the Gulf of America Act," she said.

Throughout the evening, Greene delivered a curated presentation featuring news footage and video clips. She did not take questions from the live audience at first, but read from prepared, favorable inquiries. Greene suggested to a questioner that they were "being brainwashed by the news."

Despite the repeated disruptions, Greene continued to answer a question about reducing hostility in politics. As the town hall concluded, tensions reignited with more outbursts from protesters inside, prompting chants of "USA! USA!" from Greene’s supporters.

"We also have to recognize that the majority of the room were standing and cheering when those people were thrown out," Greene said in a post-event interview. "And again, it was the protesters who were out of line."

The other side:

"She wants to pull the U.S. out of the United Nations, she's for chaos not for us," said protester Marianne Hopper. Another demonstrator, Phred Huber, added, "We need someone in touch with reality and in touch with a moral center, and Marjorie Taylor Greene is neither."

"We need someone in touch with reality and in touch with a moral center and Marjorie Taylor Greene is neither," said Phred Huber. 

Why you should care:

Greene is a vocal ally of President Donald Trump and chair of the House Oversight Committee's subcommittee on the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Her decision to move forward with the town hall defies guidance from House Republican leaders who earlier this year urged members to avoid in-person events amid coordinated progressive protests and safety concerns. Greene defended her decision to move forward with the event. "This has been on my calendar for a long time… I love to do them," she said.

The event took place in one of the more moderate sections of Greene’s red-leaning district — a newly redrawn area that includes parts of Cobb County where Vice President Kamala Harris won by 15 points in 2024. Greene said the location had nothing to do with the area's politics but was selected because it’s a new addition to her district after redistricting.

SEE ALSO:

• Marjorie Taylor Greene faces scrutiny over stock trades before town hall
• Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene bought stocks hit hard by Trump tariffs during the market meltdown
• Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene announces Tax Day town hall in Cobb County
• Ex-husband of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene apologizes to Muslim women
• Rep. Greene-led DOGE subcommittee looks at NPR, PBS funding at hearing

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