Protester, Three Capitol Police Officers Injured After Scuffle in Senate Hearing

Protester arrested and faces multiple charges after resisting removal from hearing room

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A protester and three U.S. Capitol Police officers were treated for injuries in a Senate office building on Wednesday after the protester, identified as Brian C. McGinnis of North Carolina, resisted arrest for disruptive behavior during a Senate Armed Services hearing. McGinnis was protesting the U.S. military campaign in Iran and was forcibly removed from the hearing room by officers, with assistance from Republican Senator Tim Sheehy.

Why it matters

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between protesters and law enforcement at the U.S. Capitol, as well as the challenges of maintaining order during congressional hearings where controversial topics are being discussed.

The details

According to Capitol Police, McGinnis stood up and started shouting during the Senate hearing, prompting officers to immediately grab him and try to remove him from the room. McGinnis violently resisted, grabbing onto a doorway as the officers and Senator Sheehy tried to pull him out. The officers, McGinnis, and Sheehy all sustained injuries during the scuffle.

  • The incident occurred on Wednesday, March 5, 2026 during a Senate Armed Services hearing.

The players

Brian C. McGinnis

A protester from North Carolina who was arrested and faces charges of assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest after the incident.

U.S. Capitol Police

The law enforcement agency responsible for security at the U.S. Capitol, whose officers were involved in the scuffle with the protester.

Tim Sheehy

A Republican senator from Montana and former Navy SEAL who assisted the Capitol Police officers in removing the protester from the hearing room.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This gentleman came to the Capitol looking for a confrontation, and he got one. I hope he gets the help he needs without causing further violence.”

— Tim Sheehy, U.S. Senator (Social media)

“This afternoon, an unruly man who started to illegally protest during a hearing put everyone in a dangerous position by violently resisting and fighting our officer's attempts to remove him from the room.”

— U.S. Capitol Police (Statement)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Thursday whether to allow Brian C. McGinnis to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining order and security at the U.S. Capitol, particularly during contentious congressional hearings where protesters may seek to disrupt the proceedings. It also highlights the potential for violence when law enforcement attempts to remove unruly individuals from government buildings.