Marine Clashes With Senator During Capitol Hearing

Green Party candidate Brian McGinnis confronts Capitol Police and Senator Tim Sheehy over anti-war protests

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A former Marine named Brian McGinnis, who is running for Senate in North Carolina as a Green Party candidate, was involved in a scuffle with Capitol Police and Senator Tim Sheehy during a Senate hearing in Washington. Cell phone video shows McGinnis shouting about the war in Iran before being confronted by police, at which point Sheehy intervened to try to "deescalate the situation." There were initial reports that McGinnis' arm or hand may have been injured during the incident.

Why it matters

The confrontation highlights the ongoing tensions between anti-war activists and lawmakers, as well as the challenges of maintaining order during heated political debates in the Capitol. It also comes as Senator Steve Daines has decided to withdraw from the 2026 Senate race in Montana, leading to accusations of "backroom deals" between the Republican Party and its leadership.

The details

According to reports, the incident occurred during a Senate hearing when McGinnis, a 44-year-old Green Party candidate, began shouting about the war in Iran. Capitol Police then attempted to remove him from the room, at which point Senator Tim Sheehy entered the fray. Cell phone video shows Sheehy urging the officers to "ease off" as McGinnis' arm became caught in the door. There were initial reports that McGinnis may have suffered a broken arm or hand during the scuffle.

  • The incident occurred on Wednesday during a Senate hearing in Washington, D.C.

The players

Brian McGinnis

A 44-year-old former Marine who is running for Senate in North Carolina as a Green Party candidate.

Senator Tim Sheehy

A U.S. Senator who intervened during the confrontation between McGinnis and Capitol Police.

Capitol Police

The law enforcement agency responsible for security at the U.S. Capitol building.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.