A tense showdown erupted in Georgia this week between the state’s political establishment and grassroots conservatives. The drama unfolded when Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns ordered the arrest of State Senator Colton Moore, a vocal supporter of the America First movement. Moore was detained after attempting to attend Governor Brian Kemp’s State of the State Address, sparking outrage among his allies who see this as a politically charged act of revenge.
🚨 BREAKING: Senator @realColtonMoore, who serves as the Vice-Chair of the @FreedomCaucusGA was just unconstitutionality arrested by Speaker @JonBurnsGA for simply trying to attend the State of the State joint session.
This is what tyranny looks like, folks. pic.twitter.com/Zhf2J7HU53
— Dustin Grage (@GrageDustin) January 16, 2025
This incident is the latest chapter in an ongoing conflict between establishment Republicans and Moore, who has been openly critical of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis for her prosecution of President-elect Donald Trump. Moore’s supporters argue that his arrest is a blatant attempt to silence dissent within the party.
Moore’s friction with Georgia’s political leaders dates back to March 2024, when he publicly accused former House Speaker David Ralston of corruption and called for legislative reforms. In response, Speaker Burns barred Moore from entering the Georgia House unless he apologized to Ralston’s family and supporters. Burns reiterated this demand in a letter prior to Governor Kemp’s address, emphasizing that Moore would be denied entry until he issued a formal apology.
Senator Colton Moore, who exposed and defeated corrupt District Attorney Fani Willis last year, has been arrested by the Anti-Trump Speaker of the Georgia House.
Colton is being held in the same Atlanta jail as President Trump.
We are working to ensure his expedient release.… pic.twitter.com/hRA2gM54FD
— Sen. Colton Moore (@realColtonMoore) January 16, 2025
Undeterred, Moore showed up at the Georgia Capitol on January 16th, 2025, asserting his right as an elected official to participate in legislative proceedings. When he attempted to enter the House Chamber, police intervened at Burns’ direction. The dramatic scene quickly spread across social media platforms as Moore was handcuffed and escorted out—a move unprecedented in Georgia’s political landscape.
Conservative activists and strategists aligned with Moore were quick to condemn Burns’ actions. Cliff Maloney, a strategist known for state senate campaigns, criticized Burns sharply: “Jon Burns belongs in prison for what he did today,” Maloney stated emphatically. He labeled Senator Colton Moore as an “America First patriot” who stood against DA Fani Willis’ alleged unlawful targeting of Trump. Maloney declared that Burns’ actions would tarnish his legacy indefinitely.
Following his arrest, Moore released a statement defying calls for contrition: “I will not apologize for standing up for my constituents and exposing corruption within our government,” he asserted firmly. “The people of Georgia elected me to fight for them, and I will not back down in the face of political intimidation.”
President Donald Trump has also spoken out in support of Moore.
Watch:
Reminder: President Trump stands with Sen. Moore! pic.twitter.com/C6zkqCjioa
— Dustin Grage (@GrageDustin) January 16, 2025