A Tennessee lawmaker known for ridiculous antics attempted to push a narrative that a state trooper had rammed an anti-ICE protester with a patrol vehicle during a heated confrontation in Memphis, only for the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) to release dashcam footage that clearly proved the claim false.
The alleged incident took place on Sunday when hundreds of demonstrators took part in an "ICE Out" protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies.
As has been the case of late, tensions escalated between protesters and law enforcement, culminating in at least one arrest—a woman charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, indecent exposure, vandalism, assault, assault on a peace officer, and obstructing a highway. Aside from that, she was having a perfectly normal one. Something you might expect from a purple-haired charmer.
What really took off, however, were claims from Justin Pearson, a Democrat member of the Tennessee House of Representatives, who accused a THP officer of "ramming" a marshal at the protest. And by marshal, he means some rando who decided to wear a reflective safety vest.
"The ramming of a marshal at a peaceful protest in Memphis by the Tennessee Highway Patrol is disturbing, dangerous, and troubling, especially in these times," the Democrat wrote in a Facebook post. "I’ve seen enough videos and heard from enough attendees from the ICE Out march to believe that there needs to be an investigation done by TBI (Tennessee Bureau of Investigation) of the Tennessee Highway Patrol Officer’s actions."
READ MORE: Lefty DOJ Lawyers Rage-Quit After Harmeet Dhillon Blocks ICE Witch Hunt
Watch: Woke TN State Legislator Escorted Out After Appearing to Threaten GOP Lawmaker in Wild Scene
Pearson went on to describe the anti-ICE protesters as "angelic dissenters" and said "no officer ... may abridge this right or endanger the lives of my constituents."
Wait until you see how "endangered" this rube's life was. How hard he got "rammed."
In response to the spreading allegations—which local outlets described as going viral—THP quickly released dashcam footage via its official Facebook page on Tuesday. The video directly contradicts the claims, showing no ramming, striking, or injury from the patrol vehicle.
In fact, it's so incredibly absurd that it looks like a bad low-budget comedy sketch.
"In Memphis, there are social media posts alleging that an individual was hit by a Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper," the THP responded on Facebook. "This is false. Have a look for yourself."
Yes indeed, have a look for yourself...
Claims circulating on social media that a person was hit by a THP trooper in Memphis are false. Video shows the individual holding the vehicle, lying down, then standing up and leaving on his own. Peaceful protest is protected. Entering active roadways is not and risks lives. pic.twitter.com/x0aSiw0rU1
— Tennessee Highway Patrol (@TNHighwayPatrol) January 13, 2026
Even LeBron James thinks that's a ridiculous flop.
"We respect and protect the right of people to protest peacefully. That right, however, does not include entering active roadways or placing themselves in danger," the post continues. "In this case, video clearly shows the individual holding onto the front of the trooper’s vehicle, lying down, then standing right back up afterwards and leaving the scene under his own power."
"At no point does the video show the individual being run over or injured, despite the narratives circulating on social media."
Now, some of you might be wondering why make a fuss about this? Clearly, it's a sad attempt by someone with the IQ of a potato to create a false narrative that he had been struck by the vehicle. It was never going to work.
Here's why: Does anybody recall the time Democrats took one single still image of border patrol agents on horseback trying to control a crowd of illegal immigrants and turned it into a massive scandal by accusing them of whipping people? No whipping took place, but that didn't stop the media from covering the non-existent scandal on a 24/7 news cycle, and the Biden DHS from launching an investigation and nearly destroying the lives of the agents.
Now, do you think that if someone had taken a snap of this "marshal" lying on the ground in front of a patrol car, Pearson and his police-hating followers wouldn't have used it as evidence to try to ruin the officer? Fortunately, here, the dashcam proves the Democrat as spreading literal fake news. But don't expect an apology forthcoming.
Pearson, as has been covered here at RedState, is a Democrat who time and again proves he is willing to stoop to any level to get attention.
During a heated Tennessee House Criminal Justice Subcommittee meeting on gun control legislation in March, Pearson charged at Republican Rep. Andrew Farmer, threatening him by getting in his face and yelling to "learn when to shut up." He had to be physically restrained and escorted out of the chamber.
Meanwhile in Nashville, State Rep. Justin Pearson (Memphis) lunges at Rep. Andrew Farmer (Sevierville) during a heated debate over gun legislation. Video: WKRN pic.twitter.com/Gh01uRC2az
— KWAM News Radio 990 AM Memphis (@Mighty990KWAM) March 26, 2025
Pearson, you may recall, was one of the "Tennessee Three," who led a "transurrection" in 2023, where unhinged transgender “rights” activists and gun control loons stormed the state legislature. He was one of two lawmakers expelled for his actions, only to be reinstated later on.
He would later compare his expulsion to the crucifixion of Jesus. If Pearson had his way, he'd almost certainly compare the half-wit who lay down in front of the THP vehicle to the man who stood in front of a column of tanks near Tiananmen Square.
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