By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• A Raleigh Fire Department firefighter and U.S. Marine veteran was placed on administrative leave after disrupting a Senate committee hearing in Washington, D.C.
• The individual, Brian McGinnis, allegedly shouted during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing before resisting removal by officers.
• U.S. Capitol Police said three officers were injured during the struggle and treated by fire and EMS personnel.
• McGinnis faces multiple charges, including assault on a police officer and resisting arrest.
• Raleigh Fire Chief Herbert Griffin confirmed McGinnis has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Raleigh, North Carolina firefighter and U.S. Marine Corps veteran has been placed on administrative leave after allegedly disrupting a Senate hearing and struggling with officers during his removal from the room, authorities said.
Officials identified the individual as Brian McGinnis, 44, who stood and began shouting during a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support at the Hart Senate Office Building. Officers moved to remove him after he interrupted the proceedings.
According to U.S. Capitol Police, McGinnis resisted officers’ attempts to escort him out of the hearing room, leading to a physical struggle near the doorway. Police said three officers were injured during the encounter and were treated by fire and emergency medical personnel.
McGinnis was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including three counts of misdemeanor assault on a police officer, three counts of resisting arrest and a charge related to obstructing or disrupting proceedings.
The Raleigh Fire Department confirmed McGinnis has been placed on paid administrative leave while the incident is reviewed and the criminal case proceeds.