'Complete BS!' Chaos as Republican loses it over bill to curb political violence

A resolution in the Michigan State Senate against political violence prompted one Republican member to shout expletives on the floor.

The Detroit News reported Tuesday that Sen. Joe Bellino's (R) speech against the two-page resolution devolved into profanity, resulting in Sen. Erika Geiss (D), who was presiding over the chamber at the time, banging her gavel and calling for order. Bellino called the resolution "complete bulls——" twice before ending his speech.

According to the Detroit News, the resolution condemned political violence "in all forms." It was written by Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D) after a previous Republican resolution on political violence calling for a memorial to slain MAGA activist Charlie Kirk failed.

"The Michigan Senate values the right of Michiganders to freely express themselves and feel safe when doing so, as civic engagement is crucial for a successful democracy," the resolution read.

Bellino's main complaint with the resolution was that he viewed it as portraying Republicans as "the party of political violence." He recalled an incident when running for the state senate in 2022, in which he accused a union-affiliated group of leaving a noose in his front yard.

"Now, you want to talk about civility and no violence. Complete bulls——," Bellino said, as Geiss banged her gavel.

"They upset my wife!" Bellino reportedly shouted over Geiss' gavel.

The Detroit News further reported that Bellino's speech came immediately after an elementary school class visiting from DeWitt, Michigan was recognized in the senate gallery. According to the report, most of the children had left by the time Bellino started swearing.

Click here to read the Detroit News' full report (subscription required).