Marine Veteran's Arm 'Snaps' During Chaotic Senate Hearing Protest Over Iran War

Brian McGinnis, a Green Party Senate candidate, was arrested after disrupting a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on U.S. involvement in Iran.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A Marine veteran and Green Party Senate candidate from North Carolina, Brian McGinnis, suffered a reported broken arm during a chaotic protest at a Senate hearing on U.S. military operations in Iran. McGinnis, dressed in his Marine Corps uniform, stood up and began shouting about the U.S. military's role in Iran and refusing to leave, leading to a confrontation with Capitol Police officers and a Republican senator that was caught on video.

Why it matters

The incident has raised questions about how authorities handle disruptions during congressional hearings, especially when the protestor is a decorated veteran and political candidate. It has also drawn attention to broader debates over U.S. military action in Iran and the ethical responsibilities of government officials to the troops.

The details

Footage shows McGinnis shouting about the US military's role in Iran and refusing to leave, leading to a dramatic confrontation involving three Capitol police officers and Senator Tim Sheehy, a Republican from Montana. As McGinnis refused to leave the hearing room, the officers moved to escort him out. Senator Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL, stepped in to assist, lifting McGinnis' leg while the protestor clutched a door frame with his left hand. Onlookers captured video showing the hand stuck between the door and its frame, with people shouting, 'His hand! His hand! Oh, my God!' Despite the intensity of the struggle, Sheehy and the officers sought to calm McGinnis while attempting to escort him out. Witnesses reported that McGinnis' left arm appeared broken during the altercation.

  • The incident occurred on Wednesday during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.

The players

Brian McGinnis

A Marine veteran and Green Party Senate candidate from North Carolina who was protesting the U.S. military's involvement in Iran.

Senator Tim Sheehy

A Republican senator from Montana and former Navy SEAL who assisted Capitol Police in attempting to remove McGinnis from the hearing.

Capitol Police

The law enforcement agency responsible for securing the U.S. Capitol building, who were involved in the confrontation with McGinnis.

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What they’re saying

“America does not want to send its sons and daughters to war for Israel! No one wants to fight for Israel!”

— Brian McGinnis

“He just wanted to be heard, speaking loud and clear. He was assaulted, actually. They broke his arm.”

— Mark Elbourno, Green Party official managing McGinnis' campaign

“I hope he gets the help he needs without causing further violence.”

— Senator Tim Sheehy (Social media)

What’s next

Capitol Police confirmed that McGinnis faces three counts of assaulting a police officer, three counts of resisting arrest, and one count of crowding, obstructing, and incommoding. The incident has raised questions about how authorities handle disruptions during congressional hearings, especially when the protestor is a decorated veteran and political candidate.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the tensions that can arise when passionate citizens confront lawmakers over issues of war and national security, particularly when the protestor is a veteran and political candidate. It underscores the challenges authorities face in balancing free speech and maintaining order during congressional proceedings.