Hostilities escalated at theTexas CapitolOn Thursday night, a Democratic legislative candidate was forcefully taken out and detained during a tense redistricting hearing.
Isaiah Martin, who is running for the 18th Congressional District in Houston, ignored multiple warnings to cease speaking following his testimony.accusing Republicansof manipulating the redistricting process to please President Donald Trump.
Video from the hearing captures Martin collapsing as he was removed from the room by law enforcement.
“History will NOT remember you for what you have done!” he shouted, causing noticeable reactions from the audience. He was arrested for resisting arrest, criminal trespass, and interfering with a public gathering.
Martin was releasedReleased from the Travis County Jail on Friday, and all accusations were dismissed. He subsequently shared a video on X expressing gratitude to supporters and vowing to keep advocating.
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Martin started his testimony on Thursday by questioning the validity of the hearing.
“It appears that many are simply going through the motions here, and it’s understandable because the game is biased,” he said.
He subsequently blamed Texas Republicans for gerrymandering at Trump’s urging.
You need to secure Trump’s support. That’s the key to being a Republican these days,” Martin stated. “Trump told each of you that he needs five seats. … However, the real discussion we should be having is that there will be consequences for that.
Martin referenced blue states that he said are redrawing boundaries in reaction.
Gov. Kathy Hochul stated that she plans to gerrymander Republicans out,” he said. “The same situation is expected to occur in New Jersey.
Martin also criticized Texas’ leadership regarding economic matters.
“We reside in a state that has become unaffordable… property taxes are increasing… even though you Republicans have been in power for almost 30 consecutive years,” he stated.
Critiquing the schedule of the redistricting, he stated, “Following one of the most severe mass casualty incidents in our state’s history, you decide to manipulate district boundaries to remove people from their positions.”
Rep. Cody Vasut, who leads the House Redistricting Committee, tried to restore control, but Martin refused to give in.
No, I’m not going to complete it. Because I’m… I’M NOT DONE!
Martin then directed his anger towards Trump.
You can blame your failing, elderly, run-down, Epstein-associating president for all the work we’re about to do to each and every one of you,” he said. “You brought this on yourselves, you created this situation, and this is the outcome of your actions and your efforts.
Vasut directed the state House sergeants to escort Martin out. As Martin was pulled from the room, audience members yelled, “Stop touching him!”
Martin kept yelling, “The United States will stand against you!”
The panel continued its proceedings without addressing the disturbance.
Neither Martin’s campaign nor Gov. Greg AbbottThe office provided a response to Fox News Digital’s requests for commentary.
Abbott has previously characterized the redistricting initiative as a step taken to adhere to court decisions that invalidated coalition districts.
In a letter dated July 7 referenced byThe Dallas Examiner, the Department of Justice identified TX-18 as one of four congressional districts in Texas that could potentially involve illegal racial gerrymandering through “coalition district” setups.
Trump has urged state legislators to obtain five more Republican House seats via redistricting.
The map is still incomplete, with hearings scheduled for Saturday in Houston and Monday in Arlington.
Paul Steinhauser of Fox News contributed to this report.
Original article source: Texas legislative candidate dragged out, arrested following a volatile redistricting hearing: ‘It is a disgrace!’
